Ancient Egyptian Striated Alabastron or Unguent Jar
An Ancient Egyptian Striated Alabastron or Unguent Jar of Ovoid Shape
One loop handle missing
26th Dynasty 664-332 BC
Size: 16.5cm high, 8.5cm dia. – 6½ ins high, 3¼ ins dia. (max)
One loop handle missing
26th Dynasty 664-332 BC
Size: 16.5cm high, 8.5cm dia. – 6½ ins high, 3¼ ins dia. (max)
Most ancient Egyptians never saw a bathroom in their lives, a few had servants to pour water over them, but no one had a bath tub as they did not exist. The most common hygienic practice was the regular rubbing down of the body with unguents usually made from the fat of the hippopotamus, crocodile or cat, or from various vegetable oils.
The object was to prevent the skin drying up and to keep it soft and supple. Some preparations were thought to be medicinally beneficial and others were perfumed with myrrh or frankincense to act as deodorants. All were kept in specially made unguent jars of various shapes made of faience, wood, glass, alabaster or other hard stones.
The object was to prevent the skin drying up and to keep it soft and supple. Some preparations were thought to be medicinally beneficial and others were perfumed with myrrh or frankincense to act as deodorants. All were kept in specially made unguent jars of various shapes made of faience, wood, glass, alabaster or other hard stones.
Ancient Egyptian Striated Alabastron or Unguent Jar
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