An Egyptian Alabaster Canopic Lid for Imsety, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $75 if shipping internationally.
Central to the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians was the desire to preserve the body for all eternity. To this end, during the process of mummification, the major internal organs of the body, including the lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines were removed and embalmed separately and stored in canopic jars. Each canopic lid was given the heads of the four sons of Horus who protected the internal organs. Imsety, depicted here wearing a tripartite wig with his ears sticking out, the face with large eyes, nose, and puffed lips, was the protector of the liver and his head was depicted on the corresponding canopic lid. Each jar was in turn protected by a goddess; Imsety was protected by his mother Isis. His role was to help revivify the corpse of the dead person; to literally lift them up as standing was equated with life and laying prone with death.
Medium: Alabaster
Dimensions: Height: 3 1/4 inches (8.3 cm), Width: 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Condition: Three chips to the lower edge, and some surface wear, but overall intact. The lid sits on a custom wood base.
Provenance: Private Boston collection, acquired in 2007 from Hurst Gallery.
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