Canopic Coffin of King Shoshenq II

Silver was already used as early as Naqada II, but there is no evidence that the Egyptians themselves mined silver. From ancient records it is thought that silver was imported from Mesopotamia, Crete and Cyprus.

Detail of one of a set of four miniature silver canopic coffins used to preserve the internal organs of the king Shoshenq II. Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, ca. 887-885 BC. From the Tomb of Shoshenq II, Tanis. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.