Canopic chest of Pharaoh Sobekemsaf I

Sobekemsaf was a Theban king of the Second Intermediate Period, when northern Egypt was occupied by the Hyksos. This chest contained his embalmed entrails, which were wrapped and contained in four ‘canopic’ jars. An image of these jars is painted on the flat inside lid of this chest. The outer surface of the lid is convex, symbolising the firmament. Depicted on the sides of the chest is the jackal-headed god Anubis, protector of the burial ground and of mummification.