North Africa, Morocco, Berber people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A collection of 4 antique wooden containers with applicator sticks for storing and applying kohl, a type of cosmetic eyeliner. All are hand-carved from lightweight wood. The containers are elongated with two drilled cylindrical holes; one for housing the applicator stick and the other as a kohl receptacle. The sides are etched with linear and geometric patterns. Three of the containers have caps for plugging the receptacle. The largest container conveniently has square piece of glass mirror inlaid on one side. The second container with the red wood still has shimmery kohl powder inside! The glitter is from the ground up mineral stibnite that has been used as eyeline for thousands of years. The glimmering sooty black would protect the eye from the sun, and probably make a dramatic smokey eye shadow. Size tallest jar: 1.5" W x 5" H (3.8 cm x 12.7 cm); applicator stick: 3.25" L x 0.25" W (8.3 cm x 0.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

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#166233

Mineral and earthen deposits on all. Surface wear and abrasions. Nice remains of kohl in receptacles and applicator wands. Powder in one container still. Missing one cap. Stable fissure on largest container base, mirror is cloudy but intact, and heavy patina throughout! Please note, we do not recommend using this powder or applicators. While kohl has been used for millennia, the recipes vary, and some ingredients include lead.