The well-preserved bronze spatula (length 0.14 m; Fig. 2) was discovered in a sand dune on a hill. The spatula was used as a kohl stick. One end is slightly thickened and intended for applying the makeup, while the other end is shaped like a tiny teaspoon and was used to remove the powder from the container. A plaited geometric pattern is embossed next to the teaspoon edge. The spatula was first dipped in water or scented oil and then in the powdered makeup (Dayagi-Mendels M. 1989. Perfume and Make-up in Antiquity. Jerusalem, pp. 132–136). Cosmetic accessories were very popular in antiquity. Makeup spatulae had usually a fairly standard format. They were discovered throughout the country and were dated from the Chalcolithic to the Ottoman periods. Our spatula belongs to the plain type, which has a carinated application surface (Naveh 1962: Pl. 12D: 4).
A bronze spatula and possibly several fragments of other spatulae were discovered in the former excavations at Mezad Hashavyahu. The stratigraphic context of our artifact is unclear, but its proximity to Mezad Hashavyahu is likely to suggest its connection to this site.