When we are looking at the feast scenes that are displayed on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, definitely noticeable are pale yellow hills that are depicted above heads of the feast participants. Generally, these hills are perceived as decorations of egyptian wigs. Seems like this had been quite the widespread and characteristic fashion element during the times of New Kingdom.
Researchers of ancient Egyptian culture and art based their conclusions on the quite recent discovery of archaeologists. In accordance with that, ancient Egyptian wig decorations have been named as “perfume cones.” However, this bizarre arrangement on their wigs is so unique that it should be regarded as an old-time fashion accessory. Perfume cones once were used as symbolic and quite decorative items, but they also had an important functional role.
THE LEGEND
It turns out that perfume cones could be made of creamy scents. However, it is seems like the cones that are used as decorations on Egyptian wigs during The New Kingdom were made from either aromatic resin, or ox fat impregnated with myrrh. During the feast, these cones, slowly melting, released a sweet aroma. It was a tradition among men and women to adorn their heads with perfume cones especially during the feasts and celebrations. In addition, in ancient Egypt it was the usual habit to offer those perfume cones to guests, as soon as they arrived at the celebration place. The guests received those refreshing perfume cones that were soaked in, aromatic substances, creating truly the right environment for celebrations. [2.]
The Assumptions, Hypotheses and The Insights of Historians
1. What were the perfume substance composition for these cones?
3 Do they really used perfume cones or it is only a depiction in art?
Judging from the tomb paintings as seen in the examples, quite noticeable are yellow flower petals on the top of some cones.How those cones firmly clung to the heads?
Experiments showed that the wax did not melt so easily and animal fats werent thoroughly perfumed… So, how did really they spread the sweet aroma? … Once again there are more questions than answers…
That’s why I tried to find an answer in search of approval of existence of this cone or on the contrary – to find confirmation that cones were absent in Ancient Egypt