In Egyptian embalming practices, what was the purpose of canopic jars?

The purpose of canopic jars in Egyptian embalming practices was to hold viscera, which are the internal organs. During mummification, the body was often eviscerated, and the organs were removed to help preserve the body for the afterlife. Each canopic jar was specifically designated to store one of the four key organs: the lungs, stomach, intestines, and liver.

These jars were typically made of materials such as pottery or alabaster and were often intricately designed and inscribed with protective spells or the names of the deceased. They were placed in a canopic chest, which was then interred alongside the mummified body, reflecting the importance of these organs in ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. By ensuring the preservation and protection of the viscera, ancient Egyptians believed they could assist the deceased in their journey to the afterlife, aligning with their cultural and religious practices surrounding death and burial.