Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The refined lifestyle of Egyptian high society during the New Kingdom is also manifested through the love for makeup, unguents and perfumes, whose containers reach a high level of quality and a wide variety of forms.

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Kohl, the black liquid used to outline the eyes, was a lead sulphide called galena, which had disinfectant properties and cosmetic use.  The Egyptians wore kohl on their eyelids and under their eyes . Kohl stick, here lost, was used to apply the paste to the eyes. A kneeling girl keep the jar between her hands. The complex hairstyle of the girl allow us to date the jar at the 18th dynasty.

Provenance: Palagi Collection (Nizzoli)
Datation: 18th dynasty (1539 - 1353 a.C. ca.)
Material: Painted wood
Dimensions: cm 7 x 2,3 x 4,5