Types of Canopic Jars
Canopic jars were used in ancient Egypt to house the organs of deceased individuals undergoing mummification. These jars were frequently made of calcite, or Egyptian alabaster, with each jar meant to protect the organs for the deceased, for use in the afterlife. The organs were wrapped in linen cloths, bathed in resinous oil and sealed individually in the canopic jars. Each jar was inscribed with text which called on the four sons of Horus, god of the sky and the sun, to protect the organ within.
Other People Are Reading
-
Stomach and Intestines
-
The stomach of the deceased was housed in a canopic jar adorned with the jackal-headed god Duamutef, god of the deceased and guide to heaven, who was also believed to protect the dead from hunger and thirst. Duamutef was, in turn, considered to be under the protection of Neith, the hermaphroditic, lioness-headed goddess of war and weaving.
The intestines were kept in a canopic jar displaying the head of Qebehsenuef, the falcon-headed god. Qebehsenuef was believed to be under the protection of the god Serket, the scorpion goddess of healing stings and bites.
Liver
-
The canopic jar containing the liver was protected by the god Imsety, who was represented by the human male head placed atop the jar lid. Imsety, also known by the names Imset, Amset and Mesti, was the only son of Horus not represented by an animal. Imsety was under the protection of Isis, goddess of motherhood, magic and fertility, and the benevolent mother of Horus.
-
Lungs
-
The lungs were placed in a canopic jar bearing the baboon-headed god Hapi, the creator of the universe and symbol of fertile lands. The hieroglyph of his name contains a symbol believed to be connected with the steering of a boat; when his image was placed on a coffin, the side bearing his image indicated which side was meant to face north. Hapi was believed to be under the protection of Nephthys, goddess of divine assistance and protective guardianship.
-
References
- Photo Credit egyptian pyramid image by Albo from Fotolia.com
