Canopic Jars

IMG:file60.png: IMG:file61.png: The four jars in which were placed the embalmed viscera of the deceased. The name is said to have been adopted, because of the resemblance the jars bore to a form of Canopus worshipped in the place of that name. The cover of each jar was in the form of a head, the heads being those of the four genii—children either of Horus or Osiris according to different texts—who represented the cardinal points, and to whom the jars were dedicated. The jar covered by the man-head of Mestha or Amset, representing the south, contained the stomach and large intestines. That covered by the dog-head of Hapi representing the north, contained the small intestines. The jackal head of Tuamautef, who represented the east, covered the jar containing the lungs and heart, while the hawk-head of Qebhsennuf, god of the west, covered the liver and gall bladder. These jars do not appear until the XVIIIth Dynasty, and after the XXVIth Dynasty they gradually fell into disuse. In the earlier period they were made of alabaster or some fine kind of stone; later on of green and blue glazed faience, also of wood, and still later of terra-cotta. Occasionally solid wooden jars are found. An inscription—incised on stone ones and painted on wooden ones—was usually placed on each, and from these inscriptions we learn that Mestha was under the protection of Isis, Hapi under that of Nephthys, Tuamautef was guarded by Neith, and Qebhsennuf by Selk. The four jars were very frequently placed in a sepulchral chest. Jars of the same shape, containing mummied bodies of various sacred animals, have been found at several places. (British Museum: 2nd Egyptian Gallery wall case.)