A remarkable discovery sheds light on ancient beauty practices as archaeologists uncover what could be one of the earliest forms of lipstick in the Bronze Age. Found in southeastern Iran, this bright-red pigment, housed in a stone vial, unveils intriguing insights into early civilizations and their cosmetic preferences.
Unveiling the Ancient Lip Paint
In 2001, during a flood along the Halil River in Jiroft, southeastern Iran, archaeologists stumbled upon a significant find—a small stone vial containing a vivid red pigment, believed to be lipstick. The artifact, along with other treasures from the Bronze Age, now resides in the Jiroft Archaeological Museum.
Age and Composition
Radiocarbon dating places the lipstick’s origins between 1936 B.C. and 1687 B.C., making it up to 4,000 years old. Analysis reveals a blend of crushed hematite, manganite, braunite, and quartz particles, giving the lipstick its distinctive hue and shimmer.
Exploring the Lipstick’s Composition
The lipstick also contains traces of vegetal fibers, possibly for fragrance. Its composition mirrors contemporary lipstick recipes, offering clues into ancient cosmetic production methods and cultural practices.
Ancient Beauty Rituals
While the owner remains unknown, it’s evident that such beauty products were prevalent among women in Bronze Age Iran. Alongside lipstick, black powder for eyeliner (sormeh) and henna for hair and skin dye were popular choices.
Application and Usage
The vial’s slender design suggests practicality, possibly held alongside a copper/bronze mirror for application. Similar scenes of cosmetic application can be traced back to ancient Egyptian depictions, reflecting cross-cultural beauty practices of antiquity.
The Quest for Ancient Artifacts
Though deemed one of the oldest lip paints discovered, archaeologists remain cautious, anticipating the unveiling of even older examples by colleagues in the field. The pursuit of uncovering ancient artifacts continues to enrich our understanding of human history and cultural evolution.
The unearthing of this Bronze Age lipstick opens a window into the past, revealing not only ancient beauty rituals but also the sophistication of early civilizations. As archaeologists delve deeper, the quest for knowledge drives us to unravel more mysteries concealed by the sands of time.