make up

Kohl

In the world of Ancient Egypt, kohl was far more than a mere cosmetic; it was an essential element of both daily life and spiritual belief. This fine black powder, traditionally made from galena (lead sulphide) or stibnite (antimony sulphide), was ground into a fine pigment and mixed with oils or resins to create a...

Coptic kohl vessel

This greystone square shape vessel was used to hold kohl. Along the sides, a design of what is said to be temples. This piece was sold at an auction by a Private East Coast collection, via the Palmyra Heritage Gallery in New York City, and dates from between the 2nd and 5th Century A.D. Kohl...

Serving girl cosmetic box

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...