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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2003.100.40
Title
Lid for a canopic jar in the shape of a human head
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, head
Date
c. 320 BCE - 200 CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)
Period
Ptolemaic period to Roman Imperial
Culture
Egyptian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/92353

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Limestone
Technique
Carved
Dimensions
8.5 x 11.5 cm (3 3/8 x 4 1/2 in.)
8 cm (3 1/8 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Ex collection Professor Mason Hammond, Pope Professor of Latin Language and Literature, Departments of the Classics and of History, Harvard University

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of the daughters of Florence and Mason Hammond
Accession Year
2003
Object Number
2003.100.40
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Ptolemaic or later. Surface of head is dirty grey. Raised circular projection on bottom with concave interior intended to fit into the mouth of the Canopic jar itself. Clean shaven human head, broad nose and slightly smiling lips. The head wears a featureless wig that covers the ears. There are abundant traces of incisions from carving tools.
Commentary
Many Egyptian burials included canopic jars, which held the mummified organs of the deceased person. The jars were made in sets of four, to contain four specific parts of the body: the stomach, intestines, liver, and lungs. The lids of these jars were often made in the shapes of the heads of four gods known as the Four Sons of Horus, each of whom protected one of the organs. The human-headed god Imsety protects the liver; the jackal-headed god Duamutef protects the stomach; the baboon-headed god Hapy protects the lungs; and the falcon-headed god Qebehsenuef protects the intestines.

Related Works

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu