DISCOVERING THE FRAGRANCES OF PHARAONIC EGYPT
- ridercompanysite
- May 27
- 2 min read
In ancient Egypt, perfumes and scents occupied an essential place in society, both in daily life and in religious and funerary practices. They were much more than mere olfactory pleasures; they were viewed as a tangible manifestation of the divine. The Egyptians used them to honor their gods, purify sacred places, and accompany rituals.
Among the most well-known blends is Kyphi, a sacred incense made from myrrh, aromatic resins, wine, honey, and spices such as cinnamon or juniper. This mixture was often burned in temples in the evening as a purification ritual and to commune with heavenly powers.
Compositions and ingredients
The perfumes were made from local and imported natural materials:
Resins : Myrrh, Olibanum (Frankincense), Benzoin
Vegetable oils : Moringa oil, castor oil, linseed oil, olive oil
Flowers and plants : Lily, Blue Lotus, Cinnamon, Calamus, Mint, Sweet Reed
Animals : Musk, Ambergris (rare and precious)
They macerated the fragrances in animal oils or fats.
Perfume also played a central role in matters of hygiene and seduction. The Egyptians placed great importance on physical cleanliness and used fragrant oils to moisturize their skin, refresh themselves, and protect themselves from the dry climate. Men and women of high society sometimes wore cones of scented wax on their heads, which slowly melted in the heat and released a subtle fragrance throughout the day. Hair and wigs were also scented with pleasant fragrances, contributing to a well-groomed appearance.
Perfumes were made from natural ingredients, often extracted from plants, resins, and flowers such as blue lotus, lily, calamus, or mint. Plant oils such as moringa, castor, or olive oil served as the base for the maceration of the odorous substances. Some rare animal materials, such as musk or ambergris, were also used, although these were more valuable.
Perfumes played a strong symbolic role in funeral rituals. The bodies of the deceased were embalmed with scented oils to ensure their preservation and passage into the afterlife. Perfumes were placed in tombs to accompany the soul on its journey and serve as a symbol of purification, rebirth, and immortality.
The production of perfumes was entrusted to specialized artisans or priests who were initiated into the secrets of these blends. Egypt was also renowned throughout the Mediterranean for the quality of its perfumes, which it exported to regions such as Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia. These substances were among the most valuable luxury goods, both objects of trade and witnesses to millennia of refinement.
-Charlotte Gautier
Customer advisor
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