Shabti figurines are small statues found in ancient Egyptian tombs, typically made of materials like clay, wood, or stone. They were created to serve as substitutes for the deceased in the afterlife, performing labor on their behalf. The word "shabti" translates to "answerer," reflecting their role in responding to the demands of the afterlife. These figurines often depict a mummified figure, usually holding tools for farming or other tasks. Shabtis were commonly placed in burial sites during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, around 1550 to 1070 BCE, and were believed to ensure that the deceased would not have to work in the afterlife.