Human world
This is a set of four inscribed 'Egyptian Alabaster' (Travertine) jars belonging to a man called Wahor, son of Ptahhotep. Canopic jars were used for the burial of the viscera (internal organs) and during the late 18th Dynasty the human headed stoppers were replaced by those carved to represent the four Sons of Horus
The jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach and was in turn associated with the goddess Neith and the East. Hepi was represented as an ape and guarded the lungs, associated with Nephthys and the North. Human-headed Amset protected the liver, associated with Isis and the South. The falcon-headed god Qebehsenuf was guardian of the intestines and was associated with Selkis and the West.
Presented by the family of Sir Francis C. Danson in 1977
You can find these objects in the Realm of Osiris section of the new Ancient Egypt gallery.