Preserving the organs
The lungs, stomach, liver and intestines were separately embalmed as part of the mummification process and put in canopic jars. These jars were often decorated with one of the four animal-headed sons of the god Horus, with each son protecting a particular organ. Preservation of these organs was important as they allowed the dead person to breathe and eat in the afterlife. However, usually only the wealthy could afford to have their organs embalmed and stored in this way.
After about 1000 BCE this practice changed. The internal organs were then generally wrapped and put back into the body or bound with it rather than being placed in jars. Canopic jars were still placed in the person's tomb but they were solid or empty and served a symbolic purpose.
Canopic jars
The human-headed god Imsety, protector of the liver.
The baboon-headed god Hapy, guardian of the lungs.
The falcon-headed god Qebehsenuef, protector of the intestines.
The jackal-headed god Duamutef, keeper of the stomach.
National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden
© National Museum of Antiquities, the Netherlands
Canopic chest belonging to a person named Amenhotep
Wood
Third Intermediate Period (about 1069 BCE - 664 BCE)
Provenance unknown
National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden
© National Museum of Antiquities, the Netherlands
The four canopic jars were often placed together in wooden chests. This chest is made to resemble a shrine.
