Archaeology & Antiquities
Giraffe Head
Details
- Author / creator
- Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18
- Object type
- Archaeology
- Date or period
- c. 1540–1296 BCE
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 3.2 cm
- Site or findspot
- Abydos, Egypt
- Cultural period
- Ancient
- Place of origin
- Egypt
- Acquisition method
- Donation
- Credit line
- Gift of Dame Margaret Fellowes, 1977
- Image rights
- Public domain (CC0)
About this object
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.
Materials and technique
Ivory
