Wax head cones (2019)
For years, Egyptologists and archaeologists often saw images on temple and tomb walls showing people wearing small cones on their head, but could not determine whether these cones were real or symbolic. These were shown on people in group scenes. They were typically worn by men and women, at parties or banquets, or everyday images, such as people hunting and fishing or leisure.
Two Amarna mummies from the 14th century BCE solved this riddle when researchers found them wearing 3-inch (7.6 cm) head cones. They proved the cones were real, made of beeswax or (for the wealthy) unguent. Researchers are still discussing whether the cones were functional, holding perfumes or cleansing oils that would melt onto the wearer, fashion, or part of a ritual.
