Egyptian Pedicures?

Have you been to the Field Museum in Chicago lately?

In the Ancient Egyptian exhibit, there is a display of one Egyptian giving another one a Pedicure. Pedicures are not a modern luxury; people have been taking care of their feet for thousands of years.

Just like modern nail salons, Ancient Egyptians went into the marketplace for all of their grooming needs since the metal tools and oils were too expensive to own. They placed a great value on hygiene and appearance. Ancient Egyptian had surgeons that stitched wounds, set broken bones, and amputated diseased limbs. This image shows some of the tools used to maintain feet hygiene.

Pictures have been found inside pharaoh’s tombs showing pedicures as they paid special attention to their feet and legs. Painting of nails also goes back to the Ancient Egyptian days. Red nails signified a high social class. It’s been said that Cleopatra frequently wore a deep red nail polish whereas Queen Nefertiti wore ruby colored polish.

Have you seen this display at the Field Museum?