CANOPIC STOPPER WITH HAPY HEAD Alabaster. Antique burnished patina. Height 15 cm, width 14 cm Egypt, Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Provenance Former private collection of Madame C.S., France Private collection from the South of France, acquired from the previous owner The stopper, in the shape of a truncated cone that flares out towards the base, is carved with the head of a baboon (Papio hamadryas) with features characteristic of Hâpy iconography. The simian face is strongly and expressively modelled, with a prominent, rounded forehead, deep-set eyes beneath massive superciliary arches, an elongated, stocky muzzle typical of the baboon, and a wide mouth suggested by a slight relief. The small, rounded ears are positioned laterally in line with the baboon's natural anatomy. The head is treated with a realism tempered by the geometric stylisation characteristic of Egyptian art: the volumes are simplified into rounded, massive shapes, creating an imposing sculptural presence despite its modest dimensions. The neck, short and powerful, gradually flares out towards the circular base. This transition between the head and the body of the cork is treated with fluidity, creating a harmonious silhouette. Hâpy, represented in the form of a baboon (Papio hamadryas, a sacred monkey associated with the god Thoth), protected the lungs of the deceased. It was associated with the northern cardinal point and placed under the protection of the goddess Nephthys. The baboon, an animal revered in ancient Egypt for its supposed intelligence and its link with the moon and time cycles, was an appropriate guardian for this vital organ linked to breathing and the breath of life. A Late Period Calcite Canopic Jar Lid. 664-332 BCE. The lid, of truncated conical form flared toward the base, is sculpted with a baboon head (Papio hamadryas) displaying characteristic features of Hapy iconography. The simian face presents powerful and expressive modeling: domed and prominent forehead, deeply set eyes beneath massive brow ridges, elongated stocky muzzle typical of the baboon, wide mouth suggested by slight relief. The ears, small and rounded, are positioned laterally according to the baboon's natural anatomy. The head is treated with realism tempered by geometric stylization characteristic of Egyptian art: volumes are simplified into rounded massive forms, creating an imposing sculptural presence despite modest dimensions. The neck, short and powerful, flares progressively towards the circular base. This transition between the head and the lid's body is treated with fluidity, creating a harmonious silhouette. Hapy, represented in baboon form (Papio hamadryas, sacred monkey associated with the god Thoth), protected the deceased's lungs. He was associated with the north cardinal point and placed under the protection of the goddess Nephthys. The baboon, an animal venerated in ancient Egypt for its supposed intelligence and its link with the moon and temporal cycles, constituted an appropriate guardian for this vital organ linked to respiration and the breath of life.