Ankita
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Turkey, unearthing the world’s oldest eyeliner, a kohl stick dating back over 8,200 years. This remarkable find was made at Yeşilova Höyük, an ancient site in western Turkey, and it offers unprecedented insight into the beauty rituals of early humans. The kohl stick not only highlights the historical significance of cosmetic practices but also underscores the cultural importance of personal adornment in ancient societies.
A Significant Archaeological Find
Made from green serpentine stone, the kohl stick is about 9.5 cm long, with black pigment remnants at the tip that show where it was used previously. The find’s significance was highlighted by lead archaeologist Zafer Derin, who said, “This shows that Aegean women 8,200 years ago also cared about their ornaments and were fond of their beauty.” The finding raises the possibility that cosmetics application has more older roots in human history than previously thought.
The artifact was found in a Neolithic stratum that was formed approximately 6,200 BC. From 6500 BC to 4000 BC, Yeşilova Höyük was continuously inhabited for more than 2,000 years, during a period of great prosperity. This site’s excavations have uncovered a variety of components of everyday life, such as workshops and reed homes. The kohl stick is one more item in an expanding collection of artifacts that show the social and cultural aspects of this prehistoric settlement.
Insights into Ancient Beauty Practices
Throughout history, kohl has been utilized for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Although it was seen to be beautiful, it was also thought to shield the eyes from damage and lessen solar glare. Manganese oxide, a popular component in ancient cosmetics, is likely to be the black pigment seen on the kohl stick. Derin pointed out that women still apply eye makeup with sharpened stone pencils soaked in paint in certain regions of Anatolia.
This finding not only illuminates the aesthetic choices of prehistoric Aegean women, but it also shows how important health and beauty were to early civilizations. When compared to similar discoveries in Egypt, the results from Yeşilova Höyük push back the origins of cosmetic use by nearly 3,000 years, challenging previous ideas about the timing.
Researchers are learning more about how ancient peoples perceived self-care and beauty as they continue to examine the kohl stick and other artifacts from Yeşilova Höyük. This amazing discovery is evidence of the human race’s eternal fixation with self-adornment and the extent humans have gone to in order to improve their appearance over time.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings