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Canopic jar lid (four sons of Horus)
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 12 x 11.6 cm (4 3/4 x 4 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.614
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis lid to a canopic jar is carved of a medium-grade limestone. The carving is somewhat rough. The lid depicts the heads of all of the Four Sons of Horus, protector deities for the viscera of the deceased. Paired on opposite sides are Imsety & Duamutef (human & falcon heads, respectively) and Hapy & Qebehsenuef (babboon and jackal, respectively). The stone is discolored and stained. The jackal figure's ears have broken away and are missing. Traces of black coloring remain in the facial details of some figures (eyes of human and falcon markings).
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)