Canopic Jar with Falcon-Headed Lid (Qebehsenuef)

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Canopic Jar with Falcon-Headed Lid (Qebehsenuef)

Artist Unidentified

Period Late Period (Ancient Egyptian, 664–332 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 26 (Saite) (Ancient Egyptian, 664–525 BCE)

Place of OriginEgypt

Dateabout 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

Collections

Sculpture

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.

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.