Last summer, Hilary Cool made a remarkable discovery while reviewing her archives. While examining old unpublished glass reports, one particular drawing caught her attention and sparked her curiosity, leading to a significant reevaluation of an artifact from Roman Britain.
An Unexpected Find: The Kohl Bottle
During her previous research on Roman glass artifacts from Sudan and Egypt, Cool had grown accustomed to a specific type of bottle. Reflecting on her earlier work in York, particularly the Tanner Row files catalogued decades ago, she noticed something intriguing. A small glass flask, initially classified as a Roman unguent bottle for perfumes or oils, now seemed to serve a completely different purpose. In her analysis published in the journal Britannia, she proposes that it is, in fact, a kohl bottle, a container traditionally used to store the dark cosmetic that was prevalent in ancient Egypt and Sudan.
The discovery is particularly noteworthy given that kohl bottles are seldom found outside Egypt and Nubia, making this York specimen an anomaly. Cool asserts that until now, no glass kohl bottle had been identified among Roman Britain’s vessel glass inventory. The artifact, dating back to the late second to early third century, suggests that an individual with ties to Egypt might have resided in the Roman city, located at the fringe of the empire.
Understanding the Differences: Kohl vs. Unguent Bottles
The distinction between a kohl bottle and a typical unguent flask lies in their structure. While Roman perfume bottles typically feature rounded reservoirs to accommodate liquids, kohl bottles are designed with narrow, cylindrical interiors to hold solid makeup, which was applied with a stick. The Tanner Row bottle exhibits this narrow shape, setting it apart from other unguent bottles from the same era. What once appeared to be a simple distorted flask is now recognized as a much more culturally significant Egyptian container.
Cool attributes her newfound recognition of the piece to her evolving familiarity with Egyptian glass materials. “I was not yet well-acquainted with Egyptian artifacts during my first cataloguing,” she explained. It was only after immersing herself in the subject that the connection became apparent.
The Journey of the Kohl Bottle to York
How did this intriguing kohl bottle make its way to York? Most likely, it was not a trade item but rather a personal possession brought by an individual. The rarity of kohl bottles in regions outside Egypt and Nubia hints at a more personal journey. The archaeological context of the find, which included military artifacts, opens the door to the possibility that the owner may have had military connections.
Roman York was more than just a northern outpost; it was intricately linked to the wider empire, particularly during the early third century when Emperor Septimius Severus had established his court there. The presence of a temple dedicated to Serapis and pottery influenced by North African styles underscores the city’s multicultural character. In Egypt, kohl was not solely a cosmetic for women; men also utilized it, which could explain its representation in military contexts.
The Tanner Row flask ultimately tells a tale of cultural exchange, offering a glimpse into the personal habits of its former owner. It suggests that individuals traveling through York bore influences from diverse cultures, including a distinct Egyptian grooming tradition that made its way to the far reaches of Roman Britain. This fascinating artifact challenges common perceptions of Roman soldiers and enhances our understanding of their lifestyle in ancient times.
In conclusion, the discovery of the glass kohl bottle is not merely an archaeological find; it serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of ancient societies and the ways in which personal habits and cultural practices transcended geographical boundaries. The implications of its presence in Roman York prompt further inquiries into the lives and experiences of those who once inhabited this vibrant city at the edge of the empire.