Anubis Figure

Wooden figure of a recumbent jackal, of a small size suggesting this was originally placed on a canopic chest. Body and head painted black with gilding on the nose and ears. Underside is marked 137. 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: Dry, loss of pigment/gold, damaged, old infestation/wood boring/grazing activity. Wellcome Historical Medical Museum accession no. 197660: JACKAL. Carved wood; couchant. 5 1/4' x 2 1/2'. 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".