The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times

 The Tools Used

Countless times linked to the use of cosmetics and perfumes have been unearthed in excavations throughout the land of Israel. Stone bowls or palettes for grinding  and mixing cosmetic materials, carrot-shaped perfume bottles, alabaster ointment jars, and hand mirrors of polished bronze were among the finds.  One ivory spoon has carved palm leaves on one side of its handle and a woman's head flanked by doves on the other.

Decorated shells appear to have been popular  cosmetic containers among the well-to-do.  Tiny cosmetic spoons made of ivory or wood, some carved  the form of girls swimming and various other intricate designs, have also been found in Egypt and at Canaanite sites.  All of this testifies  to the extend of the use of cosmetics by woman of that time. 

For the Eyes

In the Bible, one of Job's daughters is named "Karen-happuch."  In Hebrew, this name could mean  "horn of the black  (Eye) paint," that  is a receptacle or box  used to store makeup. (Job 42:14)   The name could have alluded to her beauty in general, but it also suggests that the use of cosmetics was known at that time.

Significantly, Biblical references to eye painting are always connected with such notorious woman as the Scheming Queen Jezebel and unfaithful Jerusalem, portrayed by the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  (2 Kings 9:30; Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40)  Judging by the large number of glass or stone containers with tiny wants for applying kohl eyeliner that have been unearthed, it is evident that many women in apostate Israel-particularly those of royalty and the rich-had taken up the practice of decorating themselves  heavily with eyeliner and other kinds of cosmetics. 

Next time: The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times - Perfumed Oil for Sacred or Secular Use

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