STOPPER OF CANOPIC VASE WITH AMSET HEAD Egypt, Middle Kingdom, c. 12th dynasty, c. 2033-1738 B.C. Limestone and yellow, blue and black pigments H. 12 cm Provenance Former Parisian collection, 1980s Polychrome limestone canopic jar lid from the Middle Kingdom with the head of Imsety. Imsety, the human-headed son of Horus, protected the liver of the deceased and was in turn protected by the goddess Isis. It seems that his role was to help revive the corpse of the dead, for Horus asks him to lift them up: "You have come to N; take yourself under him and lift him up, do not be far from him, (even) N, in the name of Imsety". Standing meant being active and therefore alive while lying down meant death. Very nice example, beautifully carved. He wears a tripartite wig, leaving the ears exposed, and has a short beard. The eyes and eyebrows are executed in fine relief. The short beard and wig are outlined in light blue, the eyes and eyebrows are outlined in black. The irises of the eyes are marked in red. The face and ears are painted in yellow. A Middle-Kingdom polychromed limestone canopic jar lid with Imsety head. Imsety the human headed son of Horus, protected the liver of the deceased and was in turn protected by the Goddess Isis. It seems that his role was to help revivify the corpse of the dead person, as he is asked to lift them up by Horus: "You have come to N; betake yourself beneath him and lift him up, do not be far from him, (even) N, in your name ofImsety." To stand up meant to be active and thus alive while to be prone signified death. Very fine example beautifully carved. He is wearing a tripartite wig, leaving the ears exposed, and has a short beard. The eyes and eyebrows are executed in fine relief.Much of the original polychromy is preserved. The short beard and the wig are outlined in light blue, the eyes and eyebrows outlined in black. The irises of the eyes are marked in red. The face and ears are painted yellow. Ca. Dynasty XII