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Lid of a canopic jar (Qebehsenuef)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 12.7 x 12 cm (5 x 4 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.638
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis lid to a canopic jar has been carved of fine-grained white limestone and shaped as the head of a falcon (representing Qebehsenuef, one of the Four Sons of Horus, protectors of the viscera of the deceased). The stone has been well smoothed and shows considerable attention to modeling of the falcon's features. Eyes are hemispherical and bulging with incised detailing to the sides. No traces of paint remain. Exterior surfaces of the stone have discolored somewhat. The neck and left side of the head have fragments broken away. Otherwise the lid is in good condition.
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)