Egyptian Jars

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The canopic jars were very instrumental for an ancient Egyptian's journey to the after-world. During the process of mummification, the internal organs of the deceased would be placed into canopic jars. Supposedly, this kept the organs safe for use in the afterlife. Most jars had the heads of popular gods and goddesses op top of the lids. Some were just painted with images of local deities. Typically, jars were made of clay (from the Nile).

  Instructions:

• Make or buy a red clay jar (or round pot).
• Form the lid from red (or painted) clay, large enough to fit over the jar's mouth. Some stores sell jars with cork lids which can be glued to your clay lid. Using clay creates a more authentic look.
• Cut the head off a plastic shaped bead. (These beads come in various animal shapes, including dog, cat, elephant, etc.) Try your best to flatten the cut (you can file it or sand it flat too).
• Glue the animal head on to your clay lid. Paint the animal head. (Egyptians typically painted the heads gold).
• Paint your jar with a variety of reds, blacks, golds, oranges, and blues. Popular designs include suns, ripple lines, hand prints, and images related to the Nile.

Here are some pictures of canopic jars.

DIA Galleries Ancient Art

Splendors of Ancient Egypt Artifacts