Definition of Canopic Jars
The manufacture and use of canopic jars began in ancient Egypt as part of the mummification process. The Egyptians were known for extensive ritual and detail during their funerary ceremonies. Canopic jars that stored the body's organs were one step in the process of sending the dead on to the next life.
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Egyptian Beliefs About Death
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The ancient Egyptians believed that death was a short interruption, rather than an end, of life. Their process of preparing the body for the afterlife consisted of preservation of the physical form.
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Mummification
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Mummification involved the use of stone tombs, natron salts and linen wraps. Removal of the organs and brains through the nose was followed by application of natron salts and finally wrapping and placing the body in a decorated coffin.
Organ Preservation
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After the organs were removed, they were placed in four canopic jars for safekeeping.
Jar Construction
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Canopic jars were made of either stone or clay pottery. They ranged from simple containers to elaborate pieces of art.
Burial
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Preserved in four canopic jars, the organs of the body sat inside a canopic chest, buried with the mummy. The Ancient Egyptians believed when life continued, the dead would need their organs.
Four Sons of Horus
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The four sons of Horus were gods designated to protect the four canopic jars holding the organs. Jars also represented north, south, east and west, so the gods for each could protect them. For instances, Isis was the god of south and protected the liver.
References
- Photo Credit "egypt - falcon" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: rosemanios (Shaun Che) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
