Kohl vase; Egypt, Middle Empire, Dynasties XI-XIV, 2040- 1640 BC.

Kohl vase; Egypt, Middle Empire, Dynasties XI-XIV, 2040- 1640 BC.
Serpentine.
Measurements: 9 x 8 cm.
Small kohl vessel made of serpentine, with flat circular raised foot, ovoid belly and straight neck, with flat mouth. This type of container was used to contain the ointments used in the mummification. Its stylization and design make it one of the slenderest ointments preserved from Egyptian antiquity, as well as kohl. The kohl is a cosmetic made from a grayish mineral called galena, which is ground and mixed with other minerals to form a kind of ash.
This cosmetic was used mainly for two reasons: ritual and ornamental. Women wore make-up and wigs during rituals and even on a daily basis. In addition, this mineral has great bactericidal properties, so in addition to protecting the eyes from the sun, it was also used as a medicine and eye protector.