Falcon-headed canopic jar

Made:
2000-100 in Ancient Egypt
Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD. Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD. Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD. Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD.

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD.
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD.
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD.
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD.
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Limestone falcon headed canopic jar, Egyptian, 2000BC - 100AD

Canopic jars held the internal organs of the dead.

During the preparation for mummification, the brains were removed through the nostrils, and then an incision was made in the side of the body and all the major organs removed and placed in canopic jars. Four organs would be removed each time and four jars used to protect them.

The falcon is associated with the god Horus.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A635053
Materials:
limestone
Measurements:
overall: 310 mm 125 mm,
type:
canopic jar
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust