In ancient Egypt, canopic jars were used to store the internal organs which were removed from the body during mummification. Typically, a set of four were used, containing the liver, lungs, stomach and intestines respectively. Each jar was associated with one of the four deities known as the 'Sons of Horus', who guarded the organs. Imsety, a human-headed figure, guarded the liver; the baboon-headed Hapi guarded the lungs; the jackal-headed Duamutef guarded the stomach; and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef guarded the intestines. The lids of canopic jars were often decorated with the heads of the gods. Each of the four sons of Horus was in turn also associated with a goddess.

This canopic jar depicts the goddess Neith, and her name is also mentioned on the spell inlaid in the body. She was typically paired with Duamutef, meaning that this jar would have been intended to contain the stomach of the deceased.