Cosmetic Container in Form of Trussed Duck

Cosmetic Containers

Like us, the ancient Egyptians used cosmetics, and often for the same purposes.

Archaeologists use the term “cosmetic container” to describe a variety of Egyptian boxes that once held scented, oil-based ointments. The salves in these boxes were used by women and men to heighten sexual allure and to camouflage body odor. Orange or yellow stains seen on ancient representations of clothing and on actual surviving linen garments show how liberally such ointments were applied.