Kohl vase. Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, circa 2050-1750 BC.
Black stone.
In good condition/chipped surface.
Provenance: Private collection, Florida (USA), acquired in 1970 / J. Bagot Archaeological Gallery, Barcelona, 2015; Exhibited: Ifergan Collection Museum, Malaga (2018-2020).
Measurements: 5.2 cm.
This type of vessel was used to contain the ointments used in mummification. Its stylisation and design make it one of the slenderest ointments preserved from Egyptian antiquity, as well as kohl. Kohl is a cosmetic made from a greyish 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. Moreover, 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.