Containers

Canopic jars

The Egyptians believed that it was important to preserve the internal organs along with the body. These were kept in containers called canopic jars. Four gods called the Sons of Horus were responsible for looking after the main four organs. These canopic jars belonged to a woman called Neskhons. Have a look at the picture and see if you can spot:

Qebhsenuef, with the head of a falcon, who looked after the intestines. Duamutef, with the head of a jackal, who looked after the stomach. Hapy, with the head of a baboon, who looked after the lungs. Imsety, with a human head, who looked after the liver.

Neskhons' heart was left in her body, to be weighed at the moment of judgement.