In ancient Egyptian culture, what was the function of canopic jars?

The function of canopic jars in ancient Egyptian culture was primarily to store specific viscera of the deceased. After mummification, the internal organs—such as the lungs, stomach, intestines, and liver—were removed to help preserve the body. Each organ was placed in a canopic jar, which was typically sealed and stored in a canopic chest within the tomb. These jars were designed to protect the organs until the resurrection, reflecting the belief in an afterlife and the importance of preserving the body for the journey beyond.

This practice was guided by the ancient Egyptians' religious beliefs regarding the afterlife, emphasizing the need for the dead to be adequately equipped for their journey. The canopic jars were often elaborately designed and would have lids that depicted the heads of the Four Sons of Horus, each associated with one of the organs they protected. This demonstrates not only a practical function but also a significant cultural and spiritual aspect of their funerary practices.