1920’s Egyptian Alabaster Canopic Jars With Lids of Hapy and Duamutef- Set of 2

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These vessels were made from a beautiful block of Egyptian alabaster. On the front, there are long, incised inscriptions with … Read more These vessels were made from a beautiful block of Egyptian alabaster. On the front, there are long, incised inscriptions with hieroglyphs and ancient Egyptian design. The body of the vase is simple and elegant, domed, turned perfectly shaped, with a flat bottom and rounded shoulder. The lid of one jar reproduces the head of a baboon-Hapy and the other jar’s lid reproduces the head of a jackal-Duamutef.

This specific container is called a canopic jar (the name derives from Canopus, a town situated near Alexandria). According to Egyptian beliefs, mummification was an act that is essential to meeting the physical and spiritual self in the beyond: canopic jars are a type of funeral urn that contained viscera, removed from the body during the embalming process. The Sons of Horus, four in number, are considered its protective gods, also differentiated by the shape of their head: a dog (Duamutef attendant to the conservation of the stomach), a hawk (Qebehsenuef, intestines), a man (Aamset, liver) and a baboon (Hapi, lungs). Associated with the four protective goddesses (Isis, Nephthys, Neith and Selkis), their names are usually inscribed on the body of the vase.
Acquired in Egypt, nearby Luxor (Thebes).
Part of a private collection.
Dimensions: 4.25 inches high (11 cm); 2.5 inches diameter (6.5 cm).
Condition: overall good for age (1920s-acquired). Surface slightly weathered but still smooth; some discoloration. Please see the photos attached.
Interested buyers are highly encouraged to ask all necessary questions before purchase. Thank you. See less