New Year Gift: Cosmetic Box 1427 BC

Norman de Garis Davies painted this image of an ancient Egyptian cosmetic box. The main symbols are the two birds facing each other on top of what appears to be a vessel. In Egyptian iconography, birds often symbolized the soul, or "Ba," representing the spirit's ability to move freely between the earthly and divine realms. We see these avian symbols in various guises across cultures, from the dove representing peace in Christian art, to the raven symbolizing prophecy in Norse mythology. Here, they perch atop what could be a vessel carrying precious contents. Consider how this image of birds has evolved. The Egyptians saw them as messengers between worlds, while other cultures might see them as omens or symbols of freedom. This cosmetic box becomes more than just an object. It's a vessel of deeper meaning, engaging our collective memory and inviting us to contemplate the enduring power of symbols across time.