Cosmetic Spoon with Jackal Handle

A cosmetic spoon in the form of a jackal. The jackal’s head is seen from above and is symmetrical, while the body is seen from the left. The tail of the jackal is long and thick and reaches to the paws of the outstretched back legs.

The two forepaws are placed symmetrically one above and one below the bowl. Condition: Good. The bowl of the spoon is split in two places, running with the grain of the wood. The spoons were used to mix and collect cosmetics from their containers.

“There is more detailed evidence for the use of cosmetics in Egypt than anywhere else in the ancient world. The use of cosmetics is well attested from the earliest times in the Predynastic Period, and cosmetics were particularly important to the Egyptians for practical purposes as well as for beautification.

Since bathing was probably practiced in Egypt more than in some other cultures, and the hot climate was harsh, there was more necessity for the use of oils and ointments to counter the effects of heat, dust, and the consequent dryness.”

― The Material World of Ancient Egypt, by William H. Peck

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550-1292 BC. From Saqqara. Now in the Brooklyn Museum. 37.623E