Undecorated Kohl Jar
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
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Object Label
Kohl Containers
Eye makeup has been used for millennia.
Ancient Egyptian men and women used a dark substance called kohl as eye makeup for nearly four thousand years, from the Predynastic Period until the Roman occupation in the fourth century c.e. Kohl emphasized the eyes, reduced sun glare, and repelled flies. The common presence of kohl containers in burials indicates that the Egyptians believed these concerns would continue in the afterlife.
Eye makeup has been used for millennia.
Ancient Egyptian men and women used a dark substance called kohl as eye makeup for nearly four thousand years, from the Predynastic Period until the Roman occupation in the fourth century c.e. Kohl emphasized the eyes, reduced sun glare, and repelled flies. The common presence of kohl containers in burials indicates that the Egyptians believed these concerns would continue in the afterlife.
Caption
Undecorated Kohl Jar, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.. Egyptian alabaster, 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (3.5 x 4.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 14.639. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Undecorated Kohl Jar
Date
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Place excavated: Sawama, Egypt
Medium
Egyptian alabaster
Classification
Dimensions
1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
Accession Number
14.639
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