The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

Comb with Gazelle

Comb with Gazelle

c. 1391–1353 BCE
(1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE)
Overall: 5.4 x 5.7 x 0.4 cm (2 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 3/16 in.)
Location: 107 Egyptian

Did You Know?

This ivory comb was likely a treasured cosmetic object.

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 luxurious obsidian and gold beaker hints at the precious contents it once held. Others are fanciful in form, such as an ostrich egg. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, himself is the subject of a colorful jar. The delicately carved human face and the head of a giraffe decorated elaborate ivory cosmetic spoons.
  • Berman, Lawrence M., and Kenneth J. Bohač. Catalogue of Egyptian Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1999 Reproduced: p. 304; Mentioned: p. 304
  • {{cite web|title=Comb with Gazelle|url=false|author=|year=c. 1391–1353 BCE|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1995.90