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Hawk-headed canopic jar
Egyptian
Late Period–Hellenistic Period (Pt
664–30 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza, Isis Temple, Pit in Room P
Medium/Technique
Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 24.3 x 14.8 cm (9 9/16 x 5 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number26.895
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Canopics and canopic boxes
DescriptionThis canopic jar is carved of dark yellow-brown travertine (Egyptian alabaster) with horizontal white veining. It exhibits generally wide proportions with convex, slightly flaring sides. Its lid is carved of compact, also hirzontally veined travertine of lighter color. It takes the form of a falcon head with smoothed features; some degree of erosion may be suggested by the muted facial details relative to other lids from this set. The falcon figure represents Qebehsenuef, one of the Four Sons of Horus, protectors of the viscera of the deceased. Both jar and lid are well polished. No traces of applied text remain.
This jar is part of a complete (4) set comprised of objects 26.895-26.898.
This jar is part of a complete (4) set comprised of objects 26.895-26.898.
ProvenanceFrom Giza, Isis temple, pit in room P. 1926: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: January 1, 1926)
(Accession Date: January 1, 1926)