Archaeologists, excavating at an Iron Age cemetery in Kani Koter (Iranian Kurdistan), discovered an ancient sample of kohl, an eye cosmetic. The cemetery dates back to the 9th–7th centuries BCE and was located on the eastern edge of the Assyrian Empire. The rich burial, which included weapons, jewelry, and personal hygiene items, indicates that those buried belonged to the elite of society.
A ceramic container held a black, powdery substance. Analysis identified it as kohl made from manganese oxides and natural graphite — a previously unknown combination. Kohl was widely used in the ancient world, particularly in Egypt, for aesthetics and medicine. Egyptian recipes included malachite, galena, and lead compounds.
The black color of the kohl from Kani Koter was obtained from pyrolusite (rich in manganese) and graphite (of carbon origin), which was the first recorded use of graphite in kohl. This suggests adaptation to regional resources — the Zagros Mountains near Kani Koter are rich in manganese and graphite.
The container with kohl was found together with silver jewelry, a bronze mirror, and ivory applicators. This indicates a particular focus on appearance and hygiene among the Iron Age elite—both men and women.
The find is not only unique in its composition but also sheds light on the aesthetic and cultural ideals of the Iron Age. Through the shine of graphite and the deep black of manganese, people emphasized their individuality, beauty, and social status.