Card/Transcription No.: 266-02

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In the ritual of mummification, especially at this period, the viscera were removed from the
body, preserved separately, and placed in four special receptacles, generally known as Canopic
jars. These were assigned to the care of the four tutelary goddesses Isis, Nephthys, Neith and
Selket, and their respective charges the genii Imsety, Hepy, Dua-mutef and Qebeh-senuef,
who, according to the ancient myth having succoured Osiris in his misfortunes and saved him
from hunger and thirst, were called upon to do the same for the dead. However, judging from
the inscriptions upon this Canopic equipment, the viscera were not alone confided to the care
of the four tutelary goddesses and their genii, they were also under the protection of Geb, Nut,
Anubis, Atum, Ptah-Seker-Osiris, and a falcon god, who guard the dead.