Serving girl cosmetic box
This wooden figure of a girl holding a trunk upon her head is actually a cosmetic box. The trunk the girl holds upon her head, would be filled with cosmetics of the owner’s choice, most likely pigments for make up, including eyeshadow and rouge for cheeks.
The piece dates from the 18th Dynasty, of Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period, c. 1550-1292 B.C. It stands 14cm high and 5cm wide.
The girl is depicted with plaited hair parted in three ways, one plait cascades down her back while the other two present a pigtial style look from the front. She is adorned with a usekh collar and large round earrings. The hole pierced through the girl’s free hand was probably intended to hold the handle of an applicator.
This piece was purchased from Louis Duc de Blacas d’Aulps (Louis, Duke of Blacas), acquired by the British Museum in 1867.
Summary:
Cosmetic container in the form of a servant girl carrying a trunk
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1550-1292 B.C.
British Museum. EA32767
