Name of Artifact: Lid to a Canopic Jar Depicting a Queen
Original Country: Egypt
Year of Production: New Kingdom, Amarna Period, Dynasty 18, reign of Akhenaten or shortly thereafter (ca. 1349-1330 B.C.)‌
Location Now: The Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Background Information:‌
This striking lid, depicting a woman whose identity remains uncertain, has intrigued Egyptologists since its discovery in 1907. The lid and its container, together with three similar vessels, formed a set of canopic jars designed to protect the internal organs of a mummified woman. All were excavated in a badly looted tomb in the Valley of the Kings that dates to the reign of Akhenaten. In addition to the container’s discovery in a royal tomb, there are several indications that this serene face—with its narrowed eyes, pointed chin, and full, sensuous lips—represents a queen. These include its superb quality, the faint remains of a royal name on the jar, and the presence of a uraeus, or aroused cobra, on the forehead. Moreover, the short hair in the form of an elaborately coiffed wig, which came into vogue on women during the reign of Amenhotep III (ca. 1390-1352 B.C.), is worn by only a few royal women.

This artifact, made of travertine (Egyptian alabaster), blue glass, and obsidian, is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans. The serene and enigmatic expression of the queen, combined with the symbolic elements like the uraeus, highlights the religious and cultural significance of canopic jars in ancient Egyptian burial practices. The lid’s presence in the Louvre Museum allows visitors from around the world to appreciate the beauty and mystery of this artifact, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptian royalty.