Origin and History of Makeup

MODULE  1.4

Overview of the Importance of Knowing the Origin and History of Makeup

Makeup has existed since the beginning of time. However, depending on the era, it was used for different purposes.

At times, it served during celebrations, protests, political conflicts, and sometimes even as a means of livelihood. Makeup marked prehistoric times, and many indigenous tribes practiced it according to their epochs. For information, here are some groups that had major influence and artists who were recognized throughout time.

Main Objectives:

• Understand where makeup application originated.

• Discover the utility of makeup across different eras.

• Familiarize yourself with various makeup styles depending on the era, tribes, and most recognized artists.

• Gain general knowledge about the products used during those periods.

Secondary Objectives:

• Observe shapes, textures, and colors.

• Consider what stood out from different tribes.

The Nuba (Ethiopia)

Children from the Nuba people (Ethiopia) were painted with makeup based on local products to entertain tourists in the Nuba Mountains in exchange for tips. The photograph by Hans Silvester shows two painted children.

The Nuba people comprise several indigenous ethnic groups living in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan State, Sudan. Estimates of the Nuba population vary; the Sudanese government estimated about 1.07 million in 2003. The Nuba have been celebrated for their remarkable traditions of body painting, scarification, and, especially among the southeastern Nuba, wrestling and dance.

The people seen in these photos belong to the Omo Valley. This area has become a tourist trap showcasing the origins of humanity. The indigenous people know they please tourists with their stunning makeup and use this means to earn less than a dollar, which they spend on food, drinks, or ammunition. However, photographer and artist Hans Sylvester highlighted them in magnificent photos and returned to this tribe for three years to reward their arts and show them the beautiful artworks he shared internationally.

They draw with their nails, sometimes with a twig, piece of wood, reed, or plant stem. With quick gestures, they decorate themselves, charm, and highlight themselves while enjoying the act. They use their fingers to apply clay to their bodies, which takes only a few minutes.

Filmography

• The Nubas of Fungor, documentary by Étienne Verhaegen, 1978

• Kafi’s Story, documentary by Arthur Howes, The Royal Anthropological Institute, London, 1989, 53 min (DVD)

• Nuba Conversation, documentary by Arthur Howes, The Royal Anthropological Institute, London, 1999, 53 min (DVD)

• Invasion of the body snatchers

Mursi

The Mursi live in harmony with nature. Their makeup is made from earth, white powder, and flowers. They are one of the last peoples where women wear lip and ear ornaments shaped like flat discs, hence the name “plateau women.”

This is not the only adornment; women also wear necklaces made of shells or beads and shave their heads. Men and women pierce their ears where similar discs (or wooden washers) are inserted and bear scars on their arms, belly, or chest. For men, figurative scars commemorate acts of bravery and inspire respect in the group. Women bear scars on their shoulders, constituting their tribal “identity card,” while necklaces, bracelets, and breast paintings express a desire to please, especially during the donga, when warriors earn the right to seek a companion.

Male Ornaments

Swirls, arabesques, sinuous lines, lace bundles, stars, or flowers: the body paintings the men draw on each other’s bodies and faces reflect remarkable creative potential. Ephemeral, these chalk-based works change with social tribal events; during ritual combats, face makeup is intended to intimidate the opponent.

Complete shaving is a sign of elegance among Mursi men. The most fastidious even wax their eyelashes.

The Donga Ritual

To develop aggressiveness, agility, endurance, and enhance masculinity in future warriors, the Mursi stage stick fights called dongas. Participants paint symbolic white motifs on their bodies, providing protection from supernatural forces.

These fights form a tournament at the end of the rainy season, eagerly awaited by young bachelors. It is an occasion for men wishing to marry to prove their courage before the tribe. The duel rules are simple: competitors must severely punish rivals without killing, as killing is strictly forbidden. The winner, who has defeated all opponents, is triumphant before a gathering of young women, one of whom will choose the hero as a husband.

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