fish

Kohl Tube in the Form of a Fish

The ancient Egyptians stored kohl, an eyeliner made from galena, in many different types of containers. The pear-shaped pot and the fish were two possible forms for holding kohl. The fish, which was also a popular fertility symbol, connects the role of the highlighted eyes with Egyptian conceptions of beauty

MEDIUM Alabaster

•Place Made: Egypt

DATES ca. 1539-1292 B.C.E.

DYNASTY XVIII Dynasty (possibly)

PERIOD New Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 1 5/8 x 1 1/8 x 4 3/8 in. (4.1 x 2.9 x 11.1 cm)

Broklyn Museum

museum´ s website