\paperw3900 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 In ancient Egypt, care of the physical appearance must have been extremely important, at least among people of high rank.\par
The wea
lthiest homes had baths and in general people washed themselves daily: personal hygiene was particularly important for priests, who had to be in a state of complete purity when they approached the gods.\par
Although statues of figures with beards or mou
staches do exist, it was the custom for Egyptian men to shave their faces completely. Sometimes a false beard was worn on the chin, as is often seen in pictures of the pharaohs.\par
Cosmetics were very popular with women: eye shadow was used to darken t
he lids and underline the eyes and eyebrows.\par
Palettes used to mix eye shadow have been found in tombs.\par
Perfumes were equally important: at banquets, Egyptians put cones of scented wax under their wigs. Vases containing perfumes were also placed
in tombs.\par
Clothing was fairly simple, usually made of linen and unstitched.\par
Jewelry, on the other hand, was particularly elaborate and did not have a purely ornamental function. In fact pieces of jewelry were also used as amulets.
