Study for the Funeral Service Exam with our quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What were canopic jars used for in Ancient Egypt?

  1. Storing precious jewels

  2. Storing viscera of the deceased

  3. Preserving food for the afterlife

  4. Holding sacred scrolls

The correct answer is: Storing viscera of the deceased

Canopic jars were specifically designed for the preservation of the viscera—organs such as the liver, intestines, lungs, and stomach—of the deceased in ancient Egyptian burial practices. After a body was embalmed, these organs were removed to prevent decay, given the hot and dry climate of Egypt. Each jar was typically associated with one of the four sons of Horus, who were believed to protect these organs and ensure safe passage to the afterlife. The jars were often buried alongside the mummified body in a sarcophagus or in a tomb, symbolizing the importance of these organs for the individual's journey in the afterlife. This practice highlights the ancient Egyptians' belief in the necessity of preserving the body and its components for eternal life beyond death.