Comb with Gazelle
c. 1391–1353 B.C.
Cleveland Museum of Art.
Combs and Hairstyling
Combs in Ancient Egypt were both practical grooming tools and symbols of status and craftsmanship. Made from wood, bone, or ivory, they often featured intricate carvings and designs, reflecting the artistry of the time. Used for styling hair, maintaining hygiene, and even in ritual practices, combs were found in tombs as part of burial offerings, signifying their importance in both life and the afterlife. Some combs also had decorative or protective elements, with motifs like lotus flowers or animals, linking them to religious and cultural beliefs. Their presence in ancient Egyptian society highlights the emphasis on personal grooming and aesthetic refinement.
The mummified remains of Ancient Egyptians reveal a variety of hair types, from straight to curly, often well-preserved due to embalming techniques. Many mummies showcase elaborate hairstyles, including braids, wigs, and intricate curls, reflecting personal style and social status. Combs made from wood, ivory, or bone were commonly used for grooming, while curling tongs helped create tight ringlets, a fashionable look among both men and women. Wigs, often styled with beeswax and perfumed oils, were worn for ceremonial and daily use, demonstrating the Egyptians’ advanced haircare practices and their emphasis on beauty and hygiene.
The Gazelle
Gazelles played an important role in Ancient Egyptian culture, symbolizing grace, speed, and vitality. They were admired for their elegance and often appeared in religious and funerary contexts. Some deities, like Hathor, were associated with gazelles, linking them to beauty and fertility. In tomb paintings, gazelles were sometimes depicted as part of the afterlife, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Occasionally, mummified gazelles or figurines were buried with the deceased.
In daily life, gazelles were semi-domesticated and valued for their meat, hides, and milk. They were also a popular target for hunting, a sport enjoyed by the Egyptian elite and frequently depicted in tomb reliefs. Additionally, gazelles were part of trade and tribute exchanges, particularly with Nubia.
Artistically, gazelles were common in Egyptian art, appearing in tomb decorations, temple reliefs, and small amulets. Their presence in jewellery and religious items suggests they were not only admired for their beauty but also held spiritual significance. Whether in daily life, religion, or art, gazelles remained an enduring symbol of grace and abundance in Ancient Egypt.
https://egypt-museum.com/cosmetic-ibex-kohl-spoon
https://egypt-museum.com/gazelle-mummy
https://egypt-museum.com/cosmetic-ibex-vase-of-tutankhamun
Summary:
Comb with Gazelle
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, c. 1391–1353 B.C.
Gift of Jean-Luc and Véronique Chalmin to the Cleveland Museum of Art. 1995.90
