About this artwork
One of a set of four jars that belonged to Amenhotep, who oversaw architectural projects in the temple of Amun at Karnak (in present-day Luxor). Now empty, the jars once held Amenhotep’s liver, lungs, intestines, and stomach, which were removed during the mummification process. Each jar has a hand-sculpted stopper that may represent its owner or one of the four sons of Horus, a set of gods associated with these vital organs. An inscription in hieroglyphs on each container promises divine protection over its contents by a different goddess: Selket, Neith, Nephthys, or Isis.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 50
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
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Title
- Canopic Jar of Amenhotep
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Place
- Egypt (Object made in:)
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Date
- Made 1427 BCE–1400 BCE
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Medium
- Ceramic and pigment
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Inscriptions
- Words spoken by Nephthys: “I place my arms on that which is in me, I protect the Qebehsenuef which is in me [of] the Overseer of the Builders of Amun, Amenhotep, revered by Qebehsenuef.”
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Dimensions
- a (jar): 30.7 × 18.4 × 18.4 cm (12 1/8 × 7 1/4 × 7 1/4 in.) b (lid): 12.7 × 12.7 × 13.3 cm (5 × 5 × 5 1/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by Henry H. Getty and Charles L. Hutchinson
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Reference Number
- 1892.39a-b
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/120266/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.