Giraffe Head

Description

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.

Provenance

Formerly in the collections of Maurice Nahman, Cairo, and Dr. Hans Goedicke, Baltimore

Giraffe Head

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c. 1540–1296 BCE

Accession Number

1977.146

Medium

ivory

Dimensions

Overall: 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in.)

Classification

Cosmetic Objects

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jerald S. Brodkey in memory of Marguerite Mallon