Anubis Figure

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: Ears and tail missing, splitting, dry, old labels adhered to surface, surface dirt. Wellcome Historical Medical Museum accession no. 22937: Lot 395. Three carved wood ancient Egyptian cats on wood bases 9" high, 5 " and 4 1/2 ". Three carved wood jackals, 5 " long, 8" and 3 3/4" long. Lot 398. Three jackals 5 1/2", 5 3/4" and 9", purchased at Stevens', London, 23 November 1920 lots 395 and 398".