Egyptian King Tut's Canopic Shrine Trinket Box

Canopic Shrines

Egyptian Shrines for Mummification

Canopic shrines, and particularly canopic jars, represent some of the most beautiful artwork of the ancient Egyptians. They were used to contain the internal organs of individuals removed during the process of mummification. The most common form was four jars held within a chest, but canopic equipment could comprise of, at times, miniature coffins and masks.

On the inner wooden chest, text would be inscribed invoking the protection of the four tutelary goddesses, Isis, Nephthys, Neith and Selket. This text would call on these goddesses to wrap their protective arms around, and would proclaim the honor of the deceased. The individual jars would also be adorned with similar text.

Cold Cast Bronze