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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.