Cleveland Museum of Art

Face from a Cosmetic Spoon

Date

1391–1353 BCE

Medium

ivory

Culture

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE)

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. This delicately carved human face would have decorated an elaborate ivory cosmetic spoon.

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