Work and compensation in ancient Egypt

Abstract

A discussion of the two documents confirming the sale of shabtis provides the platform for a discussion of various aspects of the Egyptian economy, beginning with the faïence makers who sell their objects. The specific intention is to isolate the value of labour in Egyptian society, which requires touching on the fundamental structure of the economy. Whereas the shabti documents serve to illustrate the importance of the market, the titles do not demonstrate control or administration. This allows the quality of labour to emerge as an independent entity with a value of its own.