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Ancient
Egyptians were pioneers in several fields, including the field of
beauty, in which they excelled
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Cleanliness
and beautification were considered as essential practices in ancient Egyptian
society. Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in several fields, including the field
of beauty, in which they excelled.
Hygiene
was of the utmost importance in ancient Egypt, especially in the upper classes,
and women who had the money for it would use a cleansing paste made out of water
and natron, which is found in sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. Oils were
considered essential, even for lower class women, for the protection of the skin
and hair from the hot, dry climate. Oils were also used as perfumes.
Cosmetics
played an important role in the beautification process. Eye make-up was
especially important, not only for enhancing one’s beauty but also for its
medicinal and magical functions. Green eye make-up, which symbolized fertility,
was made from the copper ore known as malachite, while dark gray eye paint was
derived from a lead ore known as galena. In addition to its disinfectant
properties, galena was thought to ward off the evil eye from its wearer.
Kohl
paste, which was used by both men and women, was made from a variety of
compounds. Green malachite or jasper mixed with water and fat was the most
common combination used. Galena and sometimes lapis lazuli were used as an eye
treatment and were also called kohl. Kohl also served as a protection for the
eyes against the sun and dust. Henna and red ochre combined with fats and oils
were used for coloring the cheeks or lips, whereas orange colored rouge was made
using iron oxides.
Hair
and Wigs in Ancient Egypt
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They
wore elaborate wigs, which they dyed a variety of colors
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In
ancient Egypt thick hair was favored, and although common women kept their own
hair, those of higher status had the whole head and body shaved for hygienic
purposes to prevent infestations with lice; it was also more comfortable in the
hot summer climate to shave the head. However, they did not prefer the shaven
look but instead wore elaborate wigs, which they dyed a variety of colors,
including blue, green, blond, and gold, though black was the favored color for
wigs.
The
wigs were made using human and animal hairs, together with plant fibers. Around
300 strands were used for each wig, and the strands were kept in place using
pomade made from wax. The wigs were frequently scented with perfumes and were
usually divided into three sections, two on either side and one down the back.
The
Egyptians also used wigs to defy the signs of aging and balding. They used henna
to cover up gray hair, and a wide variety of remedies were available for
stimulating hair growth in bald men. Some of these included the application to
the scalp of fats derived from ibex, crocodiles, snakes, lions, geese, cats and
goats. A number of oils such as rosemary oil, castor oil, and almond oil were
used to facilitate hair growth. Bald spots were also smeared with chopped
lettuce.
Ancient
Egyptian Jewelry
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A
wide range of minerals were used in the making of jewelry
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The
ancient Egyptians, who loved ornamentation, were exceptional and innovative
jewelry makers. Jewelry was believed to have magical and spiritual properties
and was thought to protect its wearer. The minerals and metals used in the
jewelry were not chosen arbitrarily; rather they were identified with certain
deities or with particular therapeutic and spiritual values.
A
wide range of minerals, such as cornelian, amethyst, onyx, jasper and quartz
crystal, were used in the making of jewelry. It is not clear how these stones
were classified by the ancient Egyptians or which stones were considered
precious and which were not. However, it is known that there was a connection
between economic value and availability of the stones.
With
the invention of glass, the manufacture of glass beads by the Egyptians and
their incorporation into jewelry became an art in itself. The glass beads were
so fabulously perfected that it may sometimes be difficult to make a distinction
between the imitation and genuine pearls, emeralds and tigers-eye.
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Glass
beads were made in a variety of colors and shapes
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Glass
beads were made in a variety of colors and shapes. Blue beads were created by
adding cobalt to the basic formula of silica, soda and lime. Copper was used for
green, tin for milky white, and gold was added to make the beads red. The
readiness to add gold during the making of the glass suggests that the beads
were not simply considered as substitutes for precious stones but were thought
of as being of value themselves.
The
value given to these glass beads can also be seen from certain excavated pieces
of jewelry such as King Tutankhamun’s “necklace of the sun” which was
formed of glass beads together with ones of gold and carnelian. This and similar
pieces of jewelry found in tombs led to the debate among scholars as to whether
glass jewelry was considered to be of equal value or even exceeded the value of
the “real thing” or if it was merely used to outwit tomb robbers.
It
is truly amazing how advanced the ancient Egyptians became in both jewelry craft
and beautification. Ancient formulas have even been discovered to treat several
conditions such as for wrinkles, stretch marks and scarring. It is difficult to
imagine such sophistication existing some 4,000 years ago.
Sources:
Aisha
El-Awady has a bachelor’s degree in medicine from Cairo University and
is currently preparing her MA and working as instructor of Parasitology in the
Faculty of Medicine. She may be contacted at: aawady@islam-online.net.
