RICHT Journal
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1- Shahid Beheshti University
2- Shahid Beheshti University ,K_mohammadkhani@sbu.ac.com
2- Shahid Beheshti University ,
Abstract: (1463 Views)
Cosmetic artifacts in ancient Iran represent early forms of cultural expression and illustrate diverse functions, techniques, and typologies across historical periods. This study investigates these artifacts from the Achaemenid era to the end of the Sasanian period, aiming to clarify their functional and symbolic significance within an understudied aspect of Iranian material culture. By analyzing these objects, the research provides new perspectives on social structures, belief systems, and ritual practices, offering deeper insight into daily life, social hierarchy, and ceremonial behavior in ancient Iran. Two central questions guide this study: what historical and cultural roles cosmetic artifacts held, and which social groups primarily used them. To answer these questions, archaeological and historical evidence was examined through a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were gathered from excavation reports, textual sources, museum studies, and library research. The study focuses on seven main categories of cosmetic artifacts preserved in the Glass and Ceramics Museum of Iran and in major international collections, including the British Museum, the Louvre Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum. The analysis shows that cosmetic artifacts served not only as practical tools but also as culturally meaningful objects used in both daily and ceremonial contexts. Their continued presence across successive periods reflects their enduring cultural significance. In earlier phases, these objects were associated largely with palatial settings, elite groups, and ritual activities. Over time, however, their forms became simplified and more functional, allowing their use to expand across broader social groups. Despite their importance, cosmetic artifacts in ancient Iran have not previously been the focus of a comprehensive, independent study. By integrating archaeological evidence with textual sources, this research addresses a significant scholarly gap and contributes to a deeper understanding of the social, symbolic, and cultural dimensions of cosmetic practices in ancient Iranian society.
Keywords: Cosmetic Artifacts, Ancient Iran, Material Culture, Archaeological Evidence, excavation findings
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Archeology and History of Art
Received: 2025/08/26 | Accepted: 2026/02/9 | Published: 2026/01/30
Received: 2025/08/26 | Accepted: 2026/02/9 | Published: 2026/01/30
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