Oryx Dish
ca. 1539-1292 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Accessory
- Formatted Medium
- Faience
- Medium
- faience
- Locations
- Place made: Egypt
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 18
- Period
- New Kingdom
- Dimensions
- 2 13/16 × 4 13/16 × 13/16 in. (7.1 × 12.3 × 2 cm)
- Accession Number
- 86.226.16
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
