Iran unveils the world's oldest lipstick, shedding light on ancient cosmetic practices. Dating back an astonishing 5,000 years, this red lipstick represents a pivotal artifact unearthed in southern Iran, providing invaluable insights into the beauty rituals of bygone civilizations.
Mineralogical composition of the cosmetic preparation. Enhanced in false colors, red, micro-stratified fragmented sheets of hematite pinacoid forms; pseudo-octahedral crystals of braunite in yellow; fragmented (ground) quartz particles in pink. Rare cubic crystals of galena appear in green (F. Zorzi). (Photo: University of Padua/Scientific Reports )
Discovering World's Oldest Lipstick
A team of researchers from the University of Padua meticulously examined the red lipstick encased within a stone vial, unveiling a remarkable testament to the enduring allure of lipstick throughout history.
It is believed that this ancient lipstick was not merely a cosmetic accessory but a symbol of status and prestige among social elites, serving as a tangible expression of their elevated rank within society.
As the millennia-old cosmetic artifact comes to light, BBC reported that it offers a captivating glimpse into the sophisticated beauty practices of ancient cultures, underscoring the timeless appeal of lipstick as a symbol of beauty and power.
Archaeologists stumbled upon a diminutive chlorite vial in 2001 amidst the ancient burial grounds bordering the Halil River in Iran's Jiroft region, nestled within the southeastern province of Kerman.
Years of meticulous analysis ensued before researchers conclusively determined the contents of the desiccated powder housed within the vial: a substance once utilized as lip pigment.
The lip paint's identity was confirmed through a comprehensive examination of the vial, employing a diverse array of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS).
The intricate scrutiny revealed fascinating insights into the composition of the reddish substance encased within the vial. It notably comprised mineral components such as hematite, manganite, and braunite, which contributed to its rich hue.
Additionally, traces of galena and anglesite were detected, alongside the presence of vegetable waxes and other organic compounds, further illuminating the ancient formulation's complexity.
Lipstick as a Symbol of Status
As published in Scientific Reports, the concoction closely mirrors the formulations found in present-day lipstick recipes. It is speculated that during the Bronze Age, the Marhasi civilization in the Mesopotamian region likely utilized brushes to apply this ancient lipstick.
In their study, the authors hinted at a broader implication: the portrayal of female allure likely held significance not just in personal allure but also in asserting authority within the earliest state-level societies of ancient Iran.
Reportedly, the lipstick was among a myriad of artifacts uncovered after flooding incidents. However, these precious relics were subjected to looting before being reclaimed by Iranian authorities.
The researchers speculate that the cosmetic pigment might have served additional purposes, such as functioning as a blusher. Nonetheless, the team underscores that both the substance's characteristics and the vial's design strongly suggest its primary use on the lips.
Moreover, the analysis revealed that the vial contained minimal traces of lead. The researchers hypothesize that this negligible presence of lead could imply a conscious awareness of the health risks associated with lead ingestion. Lead, a naturally occurring toxic element, has been linked to numerous health ailments.
