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Canopic Jar with Falcon-Headed Lid (Qebehsenuef)

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Canopic Jar with Falcon-Headed Lid (Qebehsenuef)

Period Late Period (Ancient Egyptian, 664–332 BCE)
Dynasty Dynasty 26 (Saite) (Ancient Egyptian, 664–525 BCE)
Place of OriginEgypt
Date26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600 BCE
Dimensions10 1/4 × 3 3/4 × 4 3/8 in. (26 × 9.5 × 11.1 cm)
Mediumlimestone with paint
ClassificationSculpture
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1906.17
On View
Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic
DescriptionFalcon head shaped. Solid, dummy jar, with incised line to suggest differentiation of cover and jar.
Label TextThis canopic jar features a falcon-headed lid, representing Qebehsenuef, one of the Four Sons of Horus. Qebehsenuef was responsible for protecting the intestines of the deceased, a crucial part of the preservation process in ancient Egyptian burial practices. He was associated with the goddess Serqet, who offered additional protection, particularly from venomous creatures, reinforcing the sacred role of the jar in maintaining the well-being of the deceased. The falcon head, symbolic of vigilance and divine authority, aligns Qebehsenuef with other falcon-associated deities, such as Horus, who embodied kingship and protection. Along with his brothers—Imsety (human head), Hapi (baboon head), and Duamutef (jackal head)—Qebehsenuef’s jar was part of a complete canopic set, each aligned with a specific organ, cardinal direction, and goddess protector. Originally, these jars stored the physical organs removed during mummification, ensuring the deceased's body remained intact for the afterlife. However, by the Late Period, the jars were often symbolic, sealed with resin rather than containing actual organs, as embalming practices evolved. This jar reflects the Egyptians' belief that bodily preservation was essential for spiritual immortality.Published References"Egyptian, part II: 6100 BC - 1550 BC," Art-A-Facts, vol. 3, no. 3, Dec. 1999/Jan. 2000, p. 2, repr. (col.).

Peck, William H., Sandra E. Knudsen and Paula Reich, Egypt in Toledo: The Ancient Egyptian Collection at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, 2011, p. 77, repr. (col.) p. 13, 77.

Fortenberry, Diane ed., Souvenirs and New Ideas: Travel and Collecting in Egypt and the Near East, Oxford, UK, Oxbow Books, 2013, p. 28, repr. fig. 3.5, p. 29.

Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb, October 29, 2010-January 8, 2012.

Toledo Museum of Art, The Mummies: From Egypt to Toledo, February 3- May 6, 2018.

Canopic Jar with Human-Headed Lid (Imsety)
Unidentified
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600 BCE
Canopic Jar with Baboon-Headed Lid (Hapi)
Unidentified
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600 BCE
Canopic Jar with Jackal-Headed Lid (Duamutef)
Unidentified
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600 BCE
Coffin of Tamit (Lid)
Unidentified
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 600–550 BCE
Stele of Ai and Tat
9th Dynasty (2130–2040 BCE)
Jackal-Headed Shabti of Djehutymose
Dynasty 18
18th–19th Dynasties (1550–1189 BCE), about 1450–1250 BCE
Grave Stele of Senebusa
Unidentified
12th–13th Dynasties (1991–1649 BCE)
Relief Fragment of Nefertiti Offering to the Aten
18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1350 BCE
Temple Wall Fragment with Horus as Falcon
21st–31st Dynasties (1069–332 BCE) or Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BCE)
Fragment of a Tomb Relief with Male Head
18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BCE), about 1350 BCE
Coffin Lid of Ankhtashepsit
Unidentified
22nd Dynasty (945–720 BCE)

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