Egyptian Alabaster Kohl Vessel

An ancient Egyptian alabaster vessel used to contain the cosmetic eye liner, kohl.

New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BC.
Height: 1 3/8 in. (3.6 cm).
Intact.

Black galena (lead sulfide) based kohl (Egyptian: mesmedet) was not only used for beauty but also for religious, symbolic, and practical reasons as it worked as a natural disinfectant and protected the eyes from the bright sunlight.