Canopic Shrine of Tutankhamun

Ancient Egyptian The Canopic Shrine of Tutankhamun protected the pharaoh's preserved organs in one of ancient Egypt's most elaborate funerary ensembles. The gilded wooden shrine stands nearly two meters tall, with four goddesses (Isis, Nephthys, Neith, and Serket) extending their arms protectively around the corners. Inside nested a calcite chest containing four miniature golden coffins holding Tutankhamun's liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines.

Egyptian embalmers removed organs during mummification because they decayed quickly. Each organ was protected by a specific goddess and a son of Horus. The four goddesses face outward with graceful, elongated figures typical of late Amarna-period art. Their transparent linen dresses are carved with extraordinary delicacy into the gilded wood.

Howard Carter called this shrine "the most beautiful monument" in the tomb. It now anchors the Treasury gallery at the Grand Egyptian Museum.