Canopic jar, Ptolemaic period, 332-30 BC
An alabaster canopic jar with hieroglyphic inscription to the body and human headed stopper wearing a long wig.
38cm high

The collection of Dr and Mrs Rowland Campion (1888-1971), thence by descent to the vendor.

Exhib. The Australian Institute of Archaeology, 1972

The human head denotes that the deity represented is Imsety, guardian of the mummified liver which was once inside the jar. The hieroglyphic inscription asks that the goddess Isis and Imsety to protect the mummified organs.

During the mummification process the internal organs were removed and placed into jars, each with the head of a deity who are collectively named the Four Sons of Horus. Each of the Four Sons of Horus protected a particular organ: human headed Imsety the liver; jackal headed Duamutef the stomach; baboon headed Hapi the lungs; falcon headed Qebehsenuef the intestines. By the Ptolemaic period the practice of placing the mummified organs into jars began to go out of fashion, and the organs were placed into the cavity of the mummified body.

For a similar example see The Science Museum Group, Sir Henry Wellcome Collection, accession no. A634862

Condition Report

Chip top nose tip. Small chips around hem of headdress. Natural fissure to jar rim running into body - appears stable. Natural pitting to top of head. PLease refer to images.

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