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Showing posts with label Berber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berber. Show all posts

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Corsets, Crinolines and Codpieces 8...The Eyes have it!



Shape Changing......Make up for the eyes

From historical records it seems that Kohl or a substitute may have been first used as a aid to deflect the sun from the eyes.  Modern cosmetic 'kohl' does not have these benefits.
Ancient Egyptian  Queen Nefrit ....3,300 year old painted stucco coated limestone
Queen Nefetari, a painting in her tomb, XIX th Dynasty......the eye as depicted here is very similar to the symbol for the Eye of Horus depicted below
The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health
I was told recently that men in Morocco rim their eyes with kohl to keep out the sun, sand and dust in the desert.

Amazigh Berber nomad, Sahara desert

It seems that Kohl was worn in countries where the sun was stronger,  there does not seem to be any historical records of it being worn in northern countries until it became a fashionable make up feature in modern times.

Portrait of a young lady by Petrus Christus 1465 - 70



Minoan Lady about 1400 BC originally from Knossos
with
Eye make up and lip colouring


Queen Elizabeth 1580 artist unknown
again eyes are not emphasized


The traditional make up of the Keisha

and a western parody of it

False eyelashes are added for more emphasis

Alice Prin a flapper

... and Twiggy, eyelashes are painted on the skin 
People whom you are used to seeing with eye make up look almost undressed with out it.
And to finish some steam punk make up...an art form in itself....






 I have not been able to credit some of the photos...but thank you ...

Saturday, 23 November 2013

A Taste of Morocco.......Tagines



Tagines..so simple…so delicious!



The name Tagine...historically Berber... comes from the vessel it is cooked in; usually made from clay. The lower half is a round dish with low sides, the lid is a domed cone which traps the condensation from the cooking and returns the liquid to the contents, thus proving moisture during the cooking which can be an hour or more (sometimes all day).
The lid is removed for serving. It is a communial dish usually served with bread.

Selling Tagines in Marrakech City


The traditional method of cooking with a tagine is to place it over bricks of charcoal. These are purchased specifically for their ability to stay hot for hours.
In some areas the farmers make their own charcoal.

A meal by the road side!

Tagines for sale in a pottery

Their Kiln

...and the rejects?
It seems everywhere you go in Morocco you will come across Tagines cooking!

A Tagine lunch by/in the River

Couscous is also served in a Tagine

If all this has made you hungry...here are some recipes.....

Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives


Moroccan Couscous with Seven Vegetables



Mrouzia Recipe - Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Raisins, Almonds and Honey