Jul 7, 2015
Jul 7, 2015
Jul 8, 2015
Jul 8, 2015

Kohl Container

Kohl Container

1540–1296 BCE

Wood

Overall: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm (1 11/16 x 1 x 11/16 in.); Applicator: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)

Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1914.671

Description

Cosmetic vessels would have once contained scented oils or ointments used for beautifying the body, while kohl containers held the eye paint seen in many depictions of ancient Egyptians. Galena, a mineral used in eye paint, helped reflect the sun and repelled insects and tiny organisms that could cause eye disease and blindness. Cosmetics were an essential element of daily life and associated with upholding the ancient Egyptians’ high standards of cleanliness.

See also

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