Canopic jars are ancient Egyptian containers used to hold the internal organs of mummies during the embalming process. These jars were typically made of stone or pottery and were placed in the tomb alongside the deceased. Each jar was dedicated to one of the four sons of Horus, who were believed to protect the organs. The four jars corresponded to the lungs, stomach, intestines, and liver, each sealed with a lid shaped like the head of a different deity. This practice was part of the ancient Egyptians' beliefs in the afterlife, ensuring the deceased's body was preserved for eternity.