Grooming Aids. In private homes and graves of the wealthy, archaeologists have found toiletries such as pots of unguents for the body and hair, as well as wood or ivory combs and tweezers and mirrors fashioned from copper, silver, and even gold. The reflective surface of the mirror was usually made from highly polished bronze.

Cosmetics. Archaeologists have also found shells containing kohl (blue eye shadow) in private homes and graves. In general, however, evidence relating to cosmetics is meager. It is known that women used them to enhance the appearance of their eyes and complexions. White, red, yellow, blue, green, and black pigments in cockle shells were found in graves at the Royal Cemetery at Ur (circa 2600 - circa 2500 B.C.E.). Some sources refer to cosmetics, but the texts are difficult to interpret. A second millennium B.C...