Anubis Figure
1973.2.11
Information
Wooden figure of a recumbent Anubis-jackal, of a small size suggesting this was originally placed on a canopic chest Anubis was a god associated with mummification and protecting the dead. He appeared as either a man with a jackal’s head or as a complete jackal. The Egyptians called Anubis ‘he who is upon his mountain’ as if he were sitting up high guarding the cemetery. During the Late Period small wooden figures of jackals like this were placed upon the lids of canopic chests, placing the dead's internal organs under the protection of Anubis.
CONDITION NOTE 1998: Incomplete, dry, splitting, bitumen flaking off, dowel loose, surface dirt.
Wellcome Historical Medical Museum accession no. 22937: Lot 395: Three carved wood ancient Egyptian cats on wood bases 9” high, 5” and 4½ “Three carved wood jackals, 5” long, 8” and 3¾”. Lot 398: Three jackals 5½”, 5 ¾” and 9”. Purchased at Stevens' Auction House Ltd, London, 23 November 1920 Lot 395: "Three cats (in wood), rare, and three jackals"; Lot 398: “A doll, 3 jackals, Archaic figure, 8 other objects, all in wood, 3 horn cups, mummy wheat, etc.” (1920 p. 20).