Jun 19, 2007
Jun 19, 2007

Comb with Gazelle

Comb with Gazelle

c. 1391–1353 BCE

Wood

Overall: 5.4 x 5.7 x 0.4 cm (2 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 3/16 in.)

Gift of Jean-Luc and Véronique Chalmin 1995.90

Location

Did you know?

This ivory comb was likely a treasured cosmetic object.

Description

Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The luxurious obsidian and gold beaker hints at the precious contents it once held. Others are fanciful in form, such as an ostrich egg. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, himself is the subject of a colorful jar. The delicately carved human face and the head of a giraffe decorated elaborate ivory cosmetic spoons.

See also

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