Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Hair Curler in the Form of a Woman

Egyptian

1 of 5

Object Label

Hair Care

The ancient Egyptians took great care in grooming their hair as well as their wigs.

Egyptian men and women shaved their body hair and cut the hair on their heads very short or shaved it completely as a precaution against lice. On ceremonial occasions such as festivals or banquets, men and women wore wigs fashioned from human hair that had been pleated or twirled into locks using small curlers. A cream containing beeswax was rubbed onto the wigs so they would hold their form. Facial and pubic hair was removed with tweezers and razors.

Caption

Egyptian. Hair Curler in the Form of a Woman, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.. Bronze, 7/8 x 2 5/16 in. (2.2 x 5.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.654E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Culture

Egyptian

Title

Hair Curler in the Form of a Woman

Date

ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 18

Period

New Kingdom

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Bronze

Classification

Cosmetic

Dimensions

7/8 x 2 5/16 in. (2.2 x 5.9 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.654E

Frequent Art Questions

  • What was this used for?

    This is a hair curler! It would have been used on wigs made of human hair that were worn by both men and women.
    It's much more beautiful than the curling irons used today, wouldn't you say?
    Yes.
    The style of wigs changed regularly, which helps Egyptologists to date some sculptures.
    Oh, cool.

  • How exactly was the hair curler used?

    The curler would have been heated before use and the hair would be wound around the tines until it cooled.

  • Tell me more.

    This fascinating little object is a decorative hair curler! The metal would be heated with fire and then wrapped into hair to create curls.
    The image of a nude young woman was a common decoration for cosmetic tools like mirrors and palettes as well.
    Thank you!

Have information?

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bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.

Artists and makers

Egyptian

178 works in the collection