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Canopic jar and lid inscribed for Nitocris
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 26–30
688–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Dimensions
Set range: Height: 31-43 cm (12 3/16-16 15/16 in.); Diameter: 13-16 cm. (5 1/8-6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.582a-b
OUT ON LOAN
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis canopic jar and lid in the shape of human head are carved of travertine (Egyptian alabaster). The head likely represents one of the Four Sons of Horus, protectors of the viscera of the deceased. The jar is inscribed with columns of hieroglyphic text for a woman named Nitocris. It is one of a set of four (with 72.583a-b to 72.585a-b), two of which contain portions of original contents.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)