Kohl Stick
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Kohl Stick
Maker
Egyptian
DateNew Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550–1298 B.C.E.
GeographyMa'bad Abīdūs, Al Wādī al Jadīd, Egypt, Africa
MediumWood
Dimensionsoverall: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
Object number1911.87
Status
Not on viewRightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationAn unsuspecting artifact at first glance, this wooden kohl stick was an intimate personal object used by the deceased as part of their daily routine. Similar to modern-day eyeliner, the owner would have applied a dark cosmetic powder (kohl) to their eyelids with the stick. It formed part of a larger toiletry kit that would have included a small jar to hold the kohl powder. Placed as an offering in a tomb at Abydos, the kohl stick accompanied the deceased’s soul to be used in the afterlife.
Egyptian
Roman Period, 30 B.C.E.-641 C.E.
Object number: 1986.193.3
Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, 11th Dynasty, ca. 2130–1991 B.C.E.
Object number: 1905.67