Oryx Dish
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
1 of 4
Object Label
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.
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.
Caption
Oryx Dish, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.. Faience, 2 13/16 × 4 13/16 × 13/16 in. (7.1 × 12.3 × 2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.226.16. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
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