Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 664 BCE. An intriguing and incredibly rare limestone "false" canopic jar (also known as a "dummy" or model jar) with a tapered, cylindrical form and an integral, human-headed "lid" representing the god Imsety, who protected the liver. Black pigment highlights the eyes, which each exhibits a characteristic almond form with elongated acanthi, sizable pupils, and thin, extended brows, while the rest of the face is shown in relief - a sloped nose, naturalistic ears, and full lips held closed. Lappets of a tripartite wig frame the face, creating a delineation between the "lid" and body of the vessel. A truly impressive example! Size: 4.7" L x 4.3" W x 10" H (11.9 cm x 10.9 cm x 25.4 cm)

Canopic jars are some of the most iconic artifacts from Egypt, made to hold internal organs removed during the mummification process. This tradition lasted for an incredibly long time - the first evidence for a canopic chest containing organs comes from the Fourth Dynasty (ca. 2600 BCE) and they were used into the late 1st millennium BCE. False canopic jars like this example were created during later dynastic periods starting in the 18th Dynasty for two primary reasons. First, they were created so less-wealthy individuals could symbolically partake in the rich funerary traditions of ancient Egypt. Expert stone carvers were needed to create open vessels to contain one's internal organs, and the drilling/boring process was an arduous process that cost a correspondingly large amount of money. Members of non-royal houses chose to use false jars as tomb offerings since they could be easily manufactured in less time. The second reason was so they would fool grave robbers - hence the name 'dummy' jars - so only a shapely piece of stone would be stolen.

The 18th Dynasty marked a shift in canopic jar tradition, when these jars were given to all people of status, and when their heads were fashioned to look like the four Sons of Horus, including Imsety. The Four Sons were charged with protecting the internal organs, as they had originally been charged with protecting the body of Osiris. Imsety protected the liver, was oriented with the south direction, and was himself protected by the goddess Isis.

Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 25.3.205c.

Provenance: private West Hollywood, California, USA collection; ex-private Banks Primitive Gallery, Washington, D.C., USA Estate of Robert Banks (1938 to 2022), acquired 1980s to 1990s.

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#183661

Small chip to nose and some nicks, chips, and abrasions to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remains of pigment and carved detail. Modern puddy on base from previous display.