Undecorated Kohl Jar
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
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.
MEDIUM
Egyptian alabaster
DATES
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 18
PERIOD
New Kingdom
ACCESSION NUMBER
14.639
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.14.639_erg456.jpg)
IMAGE
overall,
CUR.14.639_erg456.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 9/6/2007
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Creative Commons-BY
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