Fragments of a Canopic Jar Belonging to Senimen
Fragments of several canopic jars, including a fragmentary human-headed lid, were uncovered during the Museum's excavations in the vicinity of Theban tomb (TT) no. 252, the tomb of a man named Senimen. A high official during the reign of Thutmose II and the joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, Senimen was the steward and tutor of Princess Neferure, Thutmose II and Hatshepsut’s daughter.
The purpose of canopic jars in ancient Egypt was to hold and protect the viscera removed from the deceased’s body during the mummification process. They traditionally came in sets of four, as the liver, lungs, stomach and intestines were embalmed and stored individually. The four containers were usually put inside a chest and placed in the tomb chamber.
Three fragments could be joined together to restore the front of a jar bearing an inscription that invokes the deity Imseti, one of the four Sons of Horus. Although Senimen’s name was not preserved on these fragments, its provenance and two other fragmentary jars bearing his name (35.3.333b.1-.2 and 35.3.333c) that match these in terms of proportions, shape and material suggest that it also belonged to his canopic set.
Under the goddess Isis’ protection (the fragment mentioning her name also missing here), Imseti's task was to guard Senimen’s liver, which was probably stored in this jar.
The purpose of canopic jars in ancient Egypt was to hold and protect the viscera removed from the deceased’s body during the mummification process. They traditionally came in sets of four, as the liver, lungs, stomach and intestines were embalmed and stored individually. The four containers were usually put inside a chest and placed in the tomb chamber.
Three fragments could be joined together to restore the front of a jar bearing an inscription that invokes the deity Imseti, one of the four Sons of Horus. Although Senimen’s name was not preserved on these fragments, its provenance and two other fragmentary jars bearing his name (35.3.333b.1-.2 and 35.3.333c) that match these in terms of proportions, shape and material suggest that it also belonged to his canopic set.
Under the goddess Isis’ protection (the fragment mentioning her name also missing here), Imseti's task was to guard Senimen’s liver, which was probably stored in this jar.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragments of a Canopic Jar Belonging to Senimen
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 18
- Reign: Joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III
- Date: ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Senimen (TT 252), MMA excavations, 1935–36
- Medium: Pottery (Marl A4), paint
- Dimensions: No dimensions available
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1935
- Object Number: 35.3.333d
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
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