In 1935, archaeologists Ernest and Dorothy Mackay excavated some sticks of red ochre with beveled ends in Chanhudaro, a site belonging to the Mohenjo-Daro Harappan culture, dated to 2800 BC. Also among the artifacts were miniature vessels of eye paints, scented fats, and cosmetics!
Based on painted figurines from the culture, it is supposed that the ochre sticks were used as a lipstick and worn in the part of the the hair, as sindoor is worn today. One of the sticks was sent to the National Museum in New Delhi, and another to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Inspired by that find, we recreate a highly pigmented red ochre lip color. Earth red, universally flattering to all skin tones.
On our label we have a tribute to the Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro, a statuette dated to approximately 2700 BC.
