Ancient Egyptians

When I think of glamour, I think of Hollywood in the 1930s. However, glamour dates back much further to ancient Egypt. Egyptian people took pride in their appearance and hygiene. Makeup, wigs, jewelry, and perfume was worn as a symbol of social status, for religious/superstitious purposes and used as a medical aid. Lets take a look at the time when glamour was first created.


Today social status is defined by being seen in the lastest fashion trends, having a stylist haircut and weel done makeup. This portrayal started as early as 4000BC. Jewelry was the fashion of choice, showing higher social status wearing precious items such as gold instead of copper which was worn by common folk. Elite socialites would wear wigs at social events. These wigs were put on display in special casing in their homes when they were not being worn. Makeup was applied daily by both men and women. Kohl lined the eyes creating an almond shape and green was a popular colour for eye shadow. Lips and cheeks were rouged and henna was used to colour nails yellow or orange. Makeup was stored in beautifully decorated jars which women would put into special makeup boxes that were brought to parties and put under their chairs. Hygiene was also very important, wealthy people would have their servants pour water over them daily. Perfumed animal and plant oils were used as soap. A lot of pride was expressed through appearance.


It was believed that the level of spiritually related directly to a person's image. Evil spirits were repelled by wearing rings and amulets. The Eye of Horus, God of Sky and Sun could be encountered by wearing green eye shadow. Makeup was even worn on the statues of Gods. Mothers would apply kohl on their babies to avoid the "evil eye" and to strengthen their eye sight.


Mothers were not the only people who used makeup as a health benefit. Physicians prescribed kohl as a preventative from eye disease. This was because of the disinfectant Galena, a blue/grey mineral this is one of the components in kohl. Also, just as football players use eye black strips (a grease applied under the eyes), Egyptians used kohl liner to reflect the bright desert sun from their eyes. Kohl was believe to benefit overall eye health.


Sophistication and glamour is as much a part of history as the beginning of civilization itself. Jewelry, makeup and wigs were some of the earliest inventions. Appearance was obviously a significant part of ancient times. Beauty has a very long history, a very strong present and a very promising future.


How much pride do you put into your appearance? I have always looked at my appearance as a reflection of how I feel about myself. I enjoyed learning that the ancient Egyptians looked even more highly about appearance than I do, relating it to their connection with their spirituality, even as far as equating them with Gods. It is clear why ancient Egyptians are portrayed as elegant and poised, it was part of their culture to be beautiful.