Canopic Jars

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Canopic jars. Alabaster. Egypt, Late Bronze Age, 1500–1200 BCE.

These canopic jars were purchased in 1941. The set of four jars feature lids carved to represent the four sons of Horus: the baboon “Hapy,” representative of the North and protector of the lungs; the god “Duamutef” jackel-headed guardian of the East, who protected the stomach; the hawk “Qebhsennuf” of the West, protector of the intestines; and the god “Imsety” of the South, human-headed guardian of the liver. These vital organs, removed during the mummification process, were preserved in canopic jars such as these.

The two that are on view at the Meadows Museum are "Duamutef" portraying the god of the East, and "Imsety" portraying the god of the South.

On loan to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Canopic Jars