Description

Cosmetics Palette from the Time of the Judges

For thousands of years, women have loved beauty. The Egyptians began using makeup at least 5,000 years ago, lining their eyes with black kohl. Other ancient cultures used makeup as well. A variety of tools and dishes found by archaeologists pertained to makeup. Kohl sticks were used to apply makeup, which was stored in a small jar. A cosmetics palette, such as this one, was used to grind and mix the makeup.

This cosmetic palette dates to the Iron Age I, which is the period of the biblical Judges. It was during that period that the story of Ruth took place. Although the Bible does not specify that Ruth wore makeup, it is quite possible that she did. When she prepared herself to meet Boaz on the threshing floor, she may have ground kohl in a small dish such as this one and carefully applied it to her eyelids to enhance her appearance.

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said unto her, ‘My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz … is he not our relative? … Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor…’ And [Ruth] said to her, ‘All that you say to me I will do.'” – Ruth 3:2–5

Details:

This cosmetics palette is made of alabaster, a translucent stone material often used in antiquity for expensive specialty vessels. The alabaster has a wood-grain look to it. The palette is round, and the top is flat with a smaller round dipped impression in it to contain the cosmetics while grinding them. The back of the palette is rounded.

Diameter:5″ Inches 13 CM.

Height:.5″ Inches / 1.8 CM.

Antiquities from the land of the Bible are great investments and teaching tools. They bring the Bible to life in a tangible way, connecting the stories of the Bible with real artifacts that illuminate the text.

Comes with a certificate of authenticity and all required documents for export approval.

Shipped direct from Jerusalem.

Zak’s Antiquities is the website of Zak’s fine art and antiquities located on the Christian Quarter road in Jerusalem’s Old City. The shop began in 1964 and has remained as a family owned and operated business till this day. For the past 50 years Zak’s Antiquities has sold ancient coins, antiquities and art authentic to Israel and Jerusalem.