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Encyclopedia > Canopic jars Among the ancient Egyptians, canopic jars were covered funerary vases, normally composed of clay, intended to keep the viscera of mummified corpses. All the viscera were not kept in a single canopic jar, but rather each organ in its own.

Canopic jars were an important part of the mummification process. The body's internal organs were carefully stored in these jars. There were always four jars, representing the four sons of the god Horus - four protective spirits - human, baboon, falcon, and jackal.

Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and the possibility that the deceased might return to Earth and need the use of their body again. So those who could afford it, like members of the royal family and other important people, had their body mummified and some internal organs stored in sacred jars. These have become known as Canopic jars, possibly named after the Egyptian god Canopus.

Introduction -- Anthropoid sarcophagus of Amunemopet, Predynastic Period -- Male idol, Old kingdom I -- Heti as a cross-legged, Scribe, Old kingdom II -- Sarcophagus of Kaiemneferet The Funerary Arts -- Canopic jars Middle Kingdom -- Lid and two end panels from a coffin of the official Nakht Hemunu -- Statue of Hemiunu, enthroned New Kingdom I -- Statue of the lioness goddess Sekhmet Treasury -- Jewels of a princess New Kingdom II -- Relief with the image of Pharaoh Tuthmoses IV Temple and Tomb -- Funerary stela of the Lady Cherankh Graeco-Roman -- Cartonnage and Faiyum portrait of a noblewoman

Welcome. Sample the symbols of Egypt's kings and queens. The artifacts are but a mere sampling of the opulent treasures exhibited at the Florida International Museum in 1996. We hope this tour brings many moments of pleasure as you explore the colors, textures and history of each piece.

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