JEWELRY
Both men and women delighted in wearing jewelry fashioned from gold, silver, copper, and semi-precious stones like turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelian, and amethyst. Gold was considered a divine metal associated with the sun god Ra, and it symbolized wealth and status. Jewelers crafted necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings, nose rings, and forehead ornaments, intricately designed with delicate details.
MAKEUP
Egyptians used makeup for various reasons. It was prevalent in religious rituals where priests adorned themselves with makeup and wore kohl around their eyes to resemble the god Horus. Ancient Egyptians also believed that certain cosmetics possessed medicinal properties. For instance, kohl was applied to the eyes to protect them from the harsh desert sun, while green eyeshadow made from malachite was thought to cure eye infections.
Here's a detailed list of jewelry and makeup items commonly used in Ancient Egypt:
JEWELRY
- Necklaces: Egyptians adorned themselves with elaborate necklaces made of gold, silver, and colorful beads, often featuring pendants adorned with religious symbols or sacred scarab beetles.
- Earrings: Both men and women pierced their ears to wear earrings, which ranged from small studs to elaborate dangling designs featuring precious metals and gemstones.
- Bracelets: Bracelets made of gold, silver, and other materials were worn on the wrists and sometimes on the ankles.
- Rings: In addition to decorative rings, Egyptians also used signet rings that bore a person's unique seal for authentication and identification.
- Anklets: These adorned the feet and were often made from gold and silver.
- Headdresses and Crowns: While usually reserved for royalty and deities, headdresses and crowns were symbolic of power and authority.
- Nose Rings and Forehead Ornaments: These were popular accessories, especially among women. Nose rings were often attached to a decorative chain connected to the headpiece.
MAKEUP
- Kohl (Eye Makeup): Applied around the eyes to enhance their beauty, protect against infections, and reduce glare from the sun. It was made from a combination of black minerals like galena and malachite.
- Eyeshadow: Green eyeshadow was popular and was made from a mineral called malachite.
- Lipstick and Rouge: Egyptians used natural pigments to color their lips and cheeks, often using a red paste made from ochre or henna.
- Face Painting and Body Art: During festivals and religious ceremonies, Egyptians decorated their bodies with intricate temporary tattoos or skin paintings using henna and other natural pigments.
Ancient Egyptian jewelry and makeup were crafted with great skill and symbolized wealth, status, and devotion to the gods. They played a significant role in the daily lives of the Egyptian people.