Perfume In Ancient Egypt
50350
Reference & Education > Science > Biology
Oct 18, 2007
robertoms2003
Perfume In Ancient Egypt
Perfume was at the centre of aesthetics and therapeutics for both men and women in Ancient Egypt. Although the techniques used are mostly unrecorded, historians look to the literature of Greek and Roman writers and relief paintings and artefacts to determine the production, fashions and uses of perfume in this fascinating era. The act of making perfume was considered an art form in Ancient Egypt. The craftsperson was considered to be an artist and the profession was open to women as well as men. The perfume making process of extraction can be determined by reliefs on the walls of tombs in Petosiris. These show that perfume making had an overseer, workers who completed the extraction and a professional tester who completed rigorous testing using the sense of smell. The reliefs also pictorially detail two extraction processes. The first process shown was an ancient mechanical extraction process which was similar to wine production. This required a large bag and two staffs which were used as a press. The second was a form of chemical extraction with the assistance of heat and soaking in alcohol. The processes are early versions of modern perfume extraction techniques that have only really advanced in terms of equipment available and synthetic ingredients. The reliefs also show red berries poured from a container, which details the nature of the products used to extract different scents. The ingredients used in perfume were usually plant in origin such as henna and cinnamon. The ancient natural philosopher, Pliny the Elder, records floral scents such as iris, bitter almond and lilies in his Natural History as being used in abundance. Myrrh which is a resin from shrubs and other aromatic woods were used. Animal fats such as musk are also recorded as being used in some perfumes. Some Egyptian recipes are still in existence though they are difficult to replicate. However, the Egyptians had typically exotic tastes, and in addition to home grown essences, they also imported aromatics such as ladanum from Arabia and East Africa, galbanum from Persia, and the coveted frankincense due to unsuccessful attempts to grow it in Egyptian climes. The fact that ingredients were imported even in ancient times shows the importance of perfume. The imported varieties were expensive and initially reserved for the use of the gods or export only. Excavated reliefs show that from ancient times the blend and quantity of perfume was as important as how long the scent would last. Perfume was a major export material in ancient times with various countries battling to produce the highest quality. Susinum was a particular favourite, and the competitive nature shows that in ancient times, some form of uniformity and standard was expected. Pliny the Elder described an Egyptian perfume that retained its scent after 8 years, and the ancient Greek botanist, Dioscorides, agreed that Egyptian perfume was far superior to that made by other civilisations. Egyptian perfumes were usually named after the town of production or the main ingredient. Storage was in glass or stone vessels, with alabaster being the most coveted. The decoration was ornate and often bejewelled, with packaging reflecting modern day requirements of functionality and attractiveness. Perfume was burnt as incense, as named in documents from the reign of Thutmose III which detail different varieties such as green incense and white incense. Perfume was worn for aesthetic reasons, in the form of oil based liquid infusions, or wax and fat for creams and salves. This suggests there was also a medicinal purpose recognised. Perfume was mainly for the elite classes until the golden age. It was used by kings who were believed to be of divine descent as it was believed that the gods favoured perfume. High officials were anointed with perfume when they were appointed to office to call the favour of the gods. Incense was used to hide the smell of animal sacrifice during ceremonies. Balms were seen as medicinal as perfume was thought to repel demons and win the favour of the gods. Perfume was also an important part of death and burial rites. Bodies were perfumed during mummification as it was believed the soul would visit the gods and so perfume would repel demons. Interestingly, 3300 years after Tutankhamen death, scent could still be detected in his tomb.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/perfume-fragrancia.php
Roberto Sedycias works for www.PoloMercantil.com.br send email to robertoms2003
Roberto Sedycias works for www.PoloMercantil.com.br send email to robertoms2003
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Get to know about the components of a computer, and some of the history that made this electronic device an indispensable product for many people.
Category:
This article talks about some of the factors that made the iPod one the best selling electronic consumer products in recent years.
Category:
This article talks about digital camera and features like elegant design, compact size and easy usability as important factors one might consider while buying it for his child.
Category:
Get to know the reasons why mp3 players became such a desired consumer electronic product, and what the industry is doing to keep this item a top-seller.
Category:
This article talks about a brief history of the notebook, and features and advantages that makes this item one the most desired computer products.
Category:
This article talks about the benefits of legal mp3 downloads, with better sound quality, fast download speed, spyware detection and no copyright infringement.
Category:
This article talks about the importance of notebooks for business executives, as a valuable tool for mobile computer related tasks. It also talks about the main categories of notebooks.
Category:
This article talks about the benefits of using a digital camera. It also talks about automatic pictures for those who do not want to be behind the lens.
Category:
This article talks about the uniqueness of scents combination, leading to major brand perfumes. It also talks about aluminum bottles as the best preservation for perfume.
Category:
This article describes the main features one should look while purchasing a notebook. Also it talks about the problem of hardware upgrade.
Category:
Notebook online purchases may bring some advantages over traditional retail store. Get to know how reliable and independent the buyer's review may be about the product.
Category:
This article describes a real life experience in picking and using the linux operating system, as well as libraries with Open Source Code licenses, during the development of a web site. It is truly a testimony of successful use of Open Source Code softwar
Category:
This article explains the features of mp3 players which will help one to make the best of this next purchase. Internal memory size, battery life, connectivity to pc and other features are explained as well.
Category:
This article talks about cell phones as important tools for communication. It also talks about the many technologies that made this item a key social tool.
Category:
This article describes how international cell phone service works. It guides the reader thru steps that might help to keep him in touch with the world, while he is abroad.
Category:
This article describes a set of procedures, also known as search engine optimization (SEO), which helps web pages to obtain better positions in search engine's search pages. Easy to implement it. And best of all, it is free.
Category:
Get to know some of the benefits of wearing perfume, and how diversified fragrances evoke different feelings.
Category:
This article talks about the history and benefits of digital cameras. Other features such as storage media and power are covered as well.
Category:
This article explains the many types of perfume fragrances and it is a useful guide for someone trying to pick the right kind of perfume to suit his lifestyle.
Category:
This article explains about the features one should look into while purchasing a digital camera, guiding the reader thru steps which might help him in making the right choice.
Category:
Other links at Reference & Education > Science > Biology
There are many women who want cosmetics for aging skin but are hesitant to try any new cosmetics because they fear that they might have a reaction to it.
Category:
Articles discusses attractive face is in this day and age the piece of a puzzle that allows for also the best education and high background.
Category:
The Serengeti Migration
In 1996, I went on a safari to the Serenegti National Park, Tanzania, to see lions. We saw a big pride of lions, but what was most impressive was the 'migration.' We were on the Serenegti short-grass plains, and
In 1996, I went on a safari to the Serenegti National Park, Tanzania, to see lions. We saw a big pride of lions, but what was most impressive was the 'migration.' We were on the Serenegti short-grass plains, and
Category:
Do you suffer from problematic skin? Do you seem to have sensitive skin no matter what you try? If so then you are certainly not alone and the reason behind it may actually shock you.
Category:
How to find the best perfumes for your loved one.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68222
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
