Oman Silver Kohl Container

Man’s Bullet-Shaped Silver Kohl Container & Applicator

This splendid and unusual silver kohl container was meant for use by a man. It is shaped as a rifle bullet or cartridge which has been chased with leaf and geometric motifs. It has a screw-in cap. It has a very long silver chain to which is attached a solid silver applicator, which has been chiselled with faceting.

Such containers were carried by men on their belts or sometimes in their headwraps.

Kohl was worn by both men and women to accentuate their eyes. It was worn for beauty but also because it was believed to have medicinal properties and would help repel the harsh sun.

Rajab, J.S., Silver Jewellery of Oman, Tareq Rajab Museum, 1998.

private collection, UK.