Clay Canopic Jars

Canopic Jars were used by Ancient Egyptians during the mummification process to store organs for the after life. Each organ was stored in its own jar: The human head represented Imsety, who guarded the liver. The falcon head represented Qebehsenuef, who guarded the intestines. The jackal head represented Duamutef, who guarded the stomach. The baboon head represented Hapi, who guarded the lungs. Canopic jars were commonly made of limestone, pottery, wood or bronze and were normally placed together but kept separate from the mummified body.

Inspired by the canopic jars they saw on their field trip to the Walter’s Art Gallery, the fifth grade girls created their own canopic jars out of clay. Open at your own risk!