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Canopic jar and lid of Queen Meresankh III
Egyptian
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, reign of Menkaura
2532–2510 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza, Tomb G 7530 A in debris of canopic pit
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Height: 26.0 cm (w / lid)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number27.1551.4
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis is one of four canopic jars, all of slightly different proportions, carved of white limestone. The bases range from narrow to wide, but all have straight sides that flare outward from the base to high, somewhat abrupt shoulders that turn in towards rolled rims. Each has been provided with a disk lid. All of the jars appear to have been well smoothed. Their current condition is very good, with some variation in the amount of chipping, scrapes, or small pocking of the exterior surfaces, which is in all cases minor. The edges of some lids exhibit some slightly chipping. Small fragments are missing from some rims.
Currently these are the earliest dated canopic jars.
Currently these are the earliest dated canopic jars.
ProvenanceFrom Giza, tomb G 7530 A, in debris of canopic pit. 1927: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: 1927)
(Accession Date: 1927)