Canopic jars are pottery vessels made by the ancient Egyptians used as containers in keeping the relics of the dead while the Nubia Eggshell Jars were used in storing relevant herbs that were used in the mummification or embalming processes of the dead. These pottery wares were made with strong ceramic material such as porcelain or kaolin (white clay). They were glazed and fired at extremely high temperatures in brick- made Kilns. Glazes which were sometimes colored were applied to the surfaces of the wares and fired at high temperatures. Pointed incising tools were used for creating the linear designs and in scribbling the hieroglyphics on the surfaces of the wares. The surfaces of the jars were smoothened and painted. The surfaces were decorated with symbolic patterns and funerary texts in hieroglyphics. Sometimes, fingerprints and interlocking weaving designs that resemble baskets were the main decorations made on them.
There were four types of Canopic jars which were used in preserving the four vital organs of the body, thus the heart, lungs, kidney and liver. Each of the Canopic jars was subjected to the protection of one of Horus's sons. Horus is the Egyptian solar god with the head of a falcon, the son of Osiris and Isis. Each of his sons had a characteristic head, thus, man, baboon, jackal and falcon. The stoppers of each of the jars were shaped in the head of the respective protective deity. They were placed in the tomb to accompany the deceased in the land of the dead.
The Nubia eggshell pottery had very thinned walls like that of the shell of eggs, hence the name 'eggshell'. They were made by skilled and professional potters who carefully treated the clay that was used for the production through the rigorous activities of wedging and kneading to rid it from air pockets that cause cracking while it is being fired in the kiln. These were ritual jars used for storing important herbs enchanted to help the dead in his afterlife. In addition, they were used in performing offerings and sacrifices to the gods in temples in intercession for a favor for the departed souls in their journey and stay in the spirit world. They were called Nubian jars because they were initially used by the Nubians in presenting offerings to the Pharaohs of Egypt.
These pottery wares were and are still relevant in funerary practices of Egypt. The media and technique for their productions aided in their lasting duration even thousands of years since their production. Modern jewelry producers and companies can experiment with ways of preserving their jewelry using resilient pottery wares due to their cost-effectiveness in comparison with others. Modern potters must pick powerful lessons from the crafty ways of production that ensured the durability of the pottery wares so that they can fashion out similar vessels that can stand the test of time.