Have you ever wondered what those cones are that the ancient Egyptians are often shown wearing on their heads? There are a number of interesting theories surrounding perfume cones with regards to their materials and purpose. But which ones are academically accurate and which ones are just myths? In this upcoming class, Egyptologist Dora Goldsmith will teach you everything to know about ancient Egyptian perfume cones, including how to make them.

This presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with attendees.

Takeaways and Learning Points:

• ️Uses: The ancient Egyptians used perfume cones to honor special occasions with their scent, such as banquets, funerary rites, and worshipping the gods, but also during fishing and fowling, receiving the gold of honor, appearing in front of the tree goddess or playing senet.
• Symbolisms: An analysis of the scenes in which perfumes cones appear reveals their deep cultural symbolisms, which ranges from communicating simple messages, such that an event taking place is of great significance, to complex ideas, such as fighting the chaotic forces of evil through the powerful scents of ma’at.
• Dating: Perfume cones can serve as effective dating tools, as their form and embellishment are characteristic of specific dynasties. Dora will teach you how to date tomb and relief scenes containing perfume cones, which is an impressive skill to have in classes, during museum visits, and on trips to Egypt.
• ️Materials: Combining written sources and archaeological finds, Dora will explain what we know about the raw materials and aromatic ingredients of perfume cones. She will also deconstruct some frequently cited myths, e.g. that perfume cones were made out of fat.
• Experimental Archaeology: Dora will teach you how to replicate the enigmatic perfume cones. Experimental archaeology is especially important in the research of perfume cones, as it clarifies a number of previously unanswered questions about their manufacture and purpose.