Anubis Figure

Wooden figure of a recumbent Anubis-jackal, of a small size suggesting this was originally placed on a canopic chest Made in two pieces with the head pegged on. 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: Head loose, tail missing, splitting quite badly, dry, surface dirt. Wellcome Historical Medical Museum accession no. 197659: JACKAL. Carved wood; couchant. 195" x 130"'. Egypt. Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 10 April 1934 (Countess Pes di Villamarina Sale) Lot 15/25: Three couchant Jackals; two Bas; two Soped figures; part of a large Tat; an Ushabti, inscribed; a foot-shaped Stamp; an Arm; a small painted Fragment; a Sandal; a handled Bowl (?Russian), all in wood; and eleven pieces of Cartonnage on bright colours on white".