Sacred Animals of Ancient Egypt Gallery

The jackal god Anubis

Jackals were often seen in the deserts close to the towns and villages, scavenging whatever food they could from their human neighbours. They were also often found in cemeteries, and for this reason jackals became associated with the dead - as represented by the god Anubis. This god was worshipped both as the guardian of cemeteries and as the god who presided over the embalming of the dead.

This jackal is made of carved wood and comes from the tomb of Tutankhamun.