Trending: Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old lipstick in Iran

In Iran's Jiloft region, archaeologists have unearthed a small chlorite vial containing a dark crimson cosmetic resembling antique lipstick. The discovery, published February 1 in the journal Scientific Reports, marks the oldest known red lipstick from the Bronze Age, dating back to around 2000-1600 B.C. This means that it is 3,600 to 4,200 years old.

The carved tube was discovered in an ancient cemetery and resurfaced in 2001 after a nearby river flooded. The grounds had been plundered and many artifacts sold. Fortunately, some items were recovered and returned to a nearby museum by authorities.

The slim design of this vial is reminiscent of modern lipstick tubes and may have been intended to be held alongside a copper or bronze mirror, as shown in ancient Egyptian depictions. is shown. The outstanding features of this lipstick include delicate “fine incisions” on the greenish chlorite surface, which set it apart from other crafts of the time. Co-author Massimo Vidale, an archaeologist at the University of Padua, said these distinct features suggest a sophisticated brand. An ancient cosmetic packaging approach comparable to modern standards.

The lipstick has traces of galena and scalene, in addition to minerals such as hematite, and is darkened by manganite and limonite. These are mixed with vegetable waxes and other organic substances, much like modern lipstick recipes. This similarity suggests the sophisticated nature of ancient Iranian cosmetic practices.

The research dates back to the early 2nd millennium BC and provides important information about the ancient Markhasi civilization. This civilization is mentioned in contemporary Mesopotamian cuneiform texts. The Jiroft civilization, believed to represent the ancient nation of Markhasi, flourished in a valley rich in diverse stone resources. These favorable conditions are thought to have contributed to the advancement of beauty practices in this region.

In an email to Bored Panda, Professor Bidale said: “In the world 5,000 to 4,000 years ago, we knew about makeup recipes, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, but we didn't know about lip paint. ”. This finding is consistent with Well. -Documenting the history of ancient Iranian cosmetics. This tradition involved the use of light-colored compounds for foundation and eyeshadow, and black kohl for eyeliner.

Dr. Nasir Eskandari, a professor at the University of Tehran and the main contributor to the discovery, explained to IRNA that the aim of the study was to reveal the pioneering role of ancient Iranians in chemical science. He suggested that Iranians may have been the first inventors of lipstick. However, Professor Bidale advised against making definitive claims about “earliest evidence”, recognizing that there may still be discoveries that reshape our understanding of ancient cultures.