Stone slab with seven holes for cosmetic ointments, Egypt, 1991-1786 BCE
- Made:
- 1991-1786 BCE in Egypt
- maker:
- Unknown
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Science Museum Group Collection
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Aragonite slab with 7 holes for cosmetic ointments, each labelled in hieroglyphics, Egyptian, 1991BC-1786BC
The Egyptians wore extensive facial makeup. We know this through Egyptian artworks and artefacts. Makeup was often a mixture of minerals and plant-based ingredients. This aragonite slab was used in Egypt nearly 4000 years ago. It contains seven separate wells to hold cosmetic ointments. Each hollow is labelled with the name of the cosmetic ointment in hieroglyphics, now partially worn away. The wearing on the slab suggests the equipment was extensively used by a right-handed person.
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Details
- Category:
- Classical & Medieval Medicine
- Object Number:
- A634883
- Materials:
- aragonite, incomplete
- type:
- ointment slab
- credit:
- Sotheby's
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Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
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