Four canopic jars traditionally held the organs removed during ancient Egyptian mummification.
The four jars were used for the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Ancient embalmers removed these organs because they could decay inside the body, while the heart was generally left in place because Egyptians regarded it as central to identity and judgment. The preserved organs were placed in jars and buried with the deceased.
The containers became associated with the four sons of Horus: Imsety protected the liver, Hapi protected the lungs, Duamutef protected the stomach, and Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. Their lids were eventually made in human and animal forms linked to these protective deities.
Canopic jars are related to Egyptian funerary protection, but they were not specific symbols of Anubis. Anubis was the deity of embalming and protection of the dead, while the jars formed part of the practical and religious equipment used during mummification.