canopic jar
- Description
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Canopic jar carved from calcite; with lid in shape of human head of Imsety, one of the four sons of Horus, depicted as a human; three incised columns of hieroglyphs; smooth polished surface; almost complete, lid slightly chipped.
- Production date
- 11thC BC - 10thC BC (?)
- Dimensions
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Diameter: 9.50 centimetres (Lid)
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Diameter: 14.30 centimetres (base)
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Diameter: 10.70 centimetres (rim)
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Height: 14.90 centimetres (inscription)
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Height: 13.40 centimetres (lid)
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Height: 31.20 centimetres
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Length: 13.20 centimetres (head lid)
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Thickness: 2.80 centimetres (body)
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Width: 13.60 centimetres (head lid)
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Width: 7 centimetres (inscription)
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Depth: 1.80 centimetres (socket for lid)
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
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Findspot 'cemetery' given in EEF distribution list. However, it is not certain that this piece is actually from Naukratis.
The following information is from the Heywood Museum and Art Gallery booklet (history file 6735): 'Canopic jar - in the form of 'Mesti' a human - one of the four sons of Horus. Smooth polished canopic jar with lid carved with feature. Canopic Vase with head of angel (Amset/Imseti/Mesti), who states on the inscription "I clasp my hand on account of that which is in me. I impart protection on account of Hapi who is me. Amen mes justified devout Osiris.'' Translation by Dr Birch, British Museum. This contained the heart of an illustrious dead person to be preserved until the resurrection when it was weighed against Truth. If found of equal balance it went into everlasting life, not otherwise. B.C 1000.'
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The funerary god Imsety was particularly associated with the canopic jars containing the liver.
Given the fact that this canopic jar is much earlier in date than any other finds from Naukratis cemetery, there is very little chance that it was discovered there. It could have been a find bought from sebbakhin and coming from a nearby site. However, there is no concrete evidence for this hypothesis.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Fair
- Acquisition date
- 1895
- Acquisition notes
- Donated to Heywood Free Library by the Egypt Exploration Fund and subsequently to Rochdale Museum.
- Department
- External
- Additional IDs
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Miscellaneous number: 6735 (Accession Number)
