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Canopic jar lid (Imsety)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 26–31
664–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Wood
Dimensions
Height x width: 13.6 x 14.3 cm (5 3/8 x 5 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4360
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis lid for a canopic jar is carved of wood in the shape of human head with fairly well modeled ears and almond-shaped eyes. The figure likely represents Imsety, one of the Four Sons of Horus, protectors of the viscera of the deceased. It is coated with a thick layer of white priming, a little of which has flaked away. The wood shows some cracks.
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)