Stone polishing had been a common practice since the beginning of different civilisations in which craftsmen would use sand, quartz, and other rough materials, which were of abundance in Egypt to create the desired effect. Kohl comes from a sulphide called “galena” which was considered to have disinfecting and fly repelling properties and is found frequently prescribed for assorted eye complaints in medical papyri. . The Ancient Egyptians, both men and women, wore kohl on their eyelids as protection against the glare of the sun. In addition to this practical use, outlining the eyes could also have been a way of drawing a protective amulet, such as Wadjet Eye, right onto the skin. To make kohl, the galena was first ground up on a palette, with water or animal fat then added to create a paste. This paste would have adhered to the skin, with soot also added to produce a darker coloured kohl.
Ancient Egyptian Polished Stone Vessel
£ 200.00
A fine example of Egyptian stone craftsmanship seen in this small vessel which was possibly once used as a kohl pot. A cylindrical column sits on a slightly larger rounded base with a groove carved in to differentiate between the base and the body. A similar groove has been carved on top to distinguish between the cylindrical column and the small globular bowl on top.
Period: Old-Middle Kingdom
Condition: Good condition. A couple of chips around the rim and base due to age.
In stock
| Weight | 98.8 g |
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| Dimensions | W 3.6 x H 4.9 cm |
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