Ancient Egyptian Men Used Eye Makeup For Many Reasons
AncientPages.com - Frescoes discovered in ancient Egyptian temples illustrating daily life reveal men often wore makeup. In facts, it’s almost impossible to find a portrait of an ancient Egyptian whose eyes are not decorated.
During all periods and dynasties, eye makeup was a daily prerequisite for both men and women. Why did ancient Egyptian men wear eye makeup? There were a number of reasons actually.
Ancient Egyptian eye makeup was very elaborate and used as early as 4000 B.C. Eye makeup equipment (palettes, grinders, applicators) has been found among the earliest burials of the pre-dynastic period and seem to have been essential items for the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians used a variety of cosmetics such as eye make up, rouge and perfumed oils that softened the skin and prevented burning in the sun and damage from the sandy winds. Galena powder possesses disinfectant and fly-deterrent properties.
It is believed to offer the eyes protection from intense sun.
The smoky kohl liner served both practical and ritualistic purposes. It was thought to repel flies, protect the eyes from the Sun's rays and ward off infection. Makeup helped to imitate the looks of the gods. Favorite eye make up colors were black and green and outlining the eyes with pigment was deliberately done to created an almond or feline shape.
Eye make up provided psychic protection as well. The Egyptian word for eye-palette seems to derive from their word for "protect." An unadorned and thus unprotected eye was believed vulnerable to the Evil Eye. Outlining the eyes thus became a personal protective amulet drawn right upon the skin; an amulet that once applied could not be lost or misplaced. Makeup was believed to have magical healing powers.
Although cosmetics were certainly used for the purpose of beautification, in ancient Egypt, eye makeup did more than paint a pretty face.
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without theexpress written permission of AncientPages.com
More From Ancient Pages
-
Which Came First: The Reptile Or The Egg?
Evolution | Jun 12, 2023
-
Mysterious Vanishings Around The Azores And The Riddle Of The ‘Cosmic Brain’ Influence
Featured Stories | Feb 8, 2019
-
Extremely Rare And Tiny Medieval Sundial Discovered In Germany
Archaeology | Jul 31, 2023
-
İnkaya Cave Study Brings To Light 86,000-Year-Old Traces Of Human Life
Archaeology | Aug 22, 2023
-
Erik The Red: Famous Viking Outlaw Who Colonized Greenland And Was Father Of Leif Erikson
Featured Stories | Jun 16, 2020
-
What Caused The Unexplained Change In Europeans’ DNA 4000-5000 Years Ago? Scientists Say The Genetic Turnover Remains A Mystery
Archaeology | Aug 27, 2014
-
Evidence Of Unknown Ice Age Civilization Discovered In Michigan Ignored By Pipeline Company!
Archaeology | Oct 16, 2020
-
Evidence Of Stone Age Ear and Lip Piercing Found At Boncuklu Tarla Neolithic Site In Türkiye
Archaeology | Mar 14, 2024
-
Mysterious Time Slips Near An Ancient Church – Reported
Featured Stories | Oct 23, 2018
-
Kudurru Of Melishihu – Stone Records From The Kassite Dynasty In Babylonia
Artifacts | Jan 17, 2016
-
Remarkable discovery: Ancient coffins reveal centuries-old secrets of French nobility
News | Sep 1, 2015
-
Intriguing Sumerian Clay Tokens – An Ancient ‘Book Keeping’ System Used Long After Writing Appeared
Artifacts | Jul 8, 2017
-
L’Anse Aux Meadows – Viking Site Confirms Norse Vinland Sagas Were Based On Real Events
Featured Stories | Jun 10, 2021
-
DNA Reveals Stone Age People Avoided Inbreeding
DNA | Mar 9, 2024
-
Young Warrior’s Grave Dated To A Sixth Century Unearthed At Langobard Necropolis In Czech Republic
Archaeology | Jul 5, 2022
-
Catherine Of Valois – Scandalous Queen Who Caused Drama Even After Her Death
Featured Stories | Feb 4, 2019
-
Anne Neville – The Dramatical Story Of The White Queen
Featured Stories | May 22, 2020
-
On This Day In History: The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross – On Feb 2, 1461
News | Feb 2, 2017
-
Unexplained Mystery In Ohio – Unusual Force Puzzles Scientists
Featured Stories | Dec 21, 2018
-
Teens Make Incredible Discovery In An Ancient Florida Cave
Featured Stories | Mar 15, 2024