Cleveland Museum of Art

Giraffe Head

Date

c. 1540–1296 BCE

Medium

ivory

Culture

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18

Department

Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The delicately head of a giraffe would have decorated an elaborate ivory cosmetic spoon.

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