Dated between 1936 and 1687 BC, the deep red paste was contained in an intricately decorated chlorite vial, which shows the advanced cosmetological traditions of ancient Iran.
The chlorite-schist vial and its content. (Photo: M. Vidale)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 5, 2024 15:26 IST
A discovery that bridges the ancient world with modern aesthetics, researchers have unearthed what is believed to be one of the oldest tubes of lipstick ever found.
Found within the historical folds of Iran's Jiroft region, this nearly 4,000-year-old cosmetic artifact provides a glimpse into the sophisticated beauty practices of the Bronze Age in the region.
Dated between 1936 and 1687 BC, the deep red paste was contained in an intricately decorated chlorite vial, suggesting its origins from the Marhasi civilisation — a powerful entity that once thrived in what is now eastern Iran.
This revelation, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shows the advanced cosmetological traditions of ancient Iran.
The discovery came to light in 2001 following a flood by the Halil river, which unearthed several ancient graveyards and their buried treasures, later housed in the Archaeological Museum of Jiroft.
Among these finds was the lipstick, highlighting the region's rich cosmetic history that included not just lip pigments but also eyeliners made from sormeh, powders for cheeks and eyebrows, showcasing a culture that celebrated beauty in various forms.
Upon analysis, the lipstick's composition revealed a blend of hematite, manganite, braunite, galena, anglesite, and plant-based waxes — ingredients strikingly similar to those found in contemporary lipsticks.
This mixture, placed in a vial uniquely different from other cosmetic containers of the period, suggests an early form of branding and packaging, indicating that ancient civilisations might have traded cosmetic products in standardized containers for easy identification.
The presence of vegetal fibers hints at the possibility of the lipstick being fragrant, adding another layer to the sophistication of Bronze Age cosmetics.
However, despite these insights, the identity of the vial's owner remains a mystery, as little is known about the individuals buried in the ancient graveyards of the region.
This discovery not only sheds light on the cosmetic practices of ancient Iran but also challenges the notion of makeup as a "secondary women's matter," as noted by co-author Massimo Vidale.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Mar 5, 2024
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