Canopic Chest
GEM Number
Collection
Period
Dynasty
Description
Tutankhamun’s canopic shrine concealed this exquisite canopic chest. It is shaped like a ritual shrine with a sloping lid that was tied on with linen ropes, all sitting on a gold foil-covered wooden sledge. The chest contains four cylindrical hollows that held four solid gold miniature coffins. Each hollow is topped with a stopper finely carved in the form of a royal head with details picked out in black and red paint. Four protective goddesses Isis, Nephthys, Selket and Neith are carved in raised relief in each corner and stand on top of a frieze of djed pillar (stability) and tyet knot (protection) signs.