BARBERS IN MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILISATION-Article by Venkatachalapathi.P.B. -Davangere. 9901196772

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Barbers in Mesopotamian Civilization

       Mesopotamia was one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Mesopotamian civilization entered history during the Early Bronze Age. For that reason, it is often called the cradle of civilization. The meaning of Mesopotamia in the Greek language is “between two rivers”. It is named after this civilization because it existed between the two rivers Tigris and the Euphrates. This civilization dates back to around 4000 BCE.  The first civilization began in the southern Sumer of Mesopotamia and then in the rest of the area, like Assyria, Akkad, and Babylon. etc. It was incorporated not only in some parts of Syria but also in almost all of Iraq and southeastern Turkey. History tells us it once had a population of about two million. This civilization also had a social classification similar to that as it is in India.

       They were the first to introduce writing with pictures, called pictograms, and to start recording history. They are famous for contributions like time calculations like 60 seconds per minute, 60 minutes per hour, and seven days a week. In Geometry, they measured 360 degrees in a circle and created of Babylonian Hanging Garden, the First to use metal Wheels for vehicles. They are also first in cosmogony and cosmology, and the use of concepts of Debt and Interest. They started using camels in war. They are the first lawgiver called Hammurabi law was based on the concept of "Eye for an Eye". In this civilization, Women could own assets in this civilization they were given freedom. Some women wore artificial beards as men to gain high respect in society.

Hairstyles in Mesopotamian Civilization

      In the dry climate of Mesopotamia, cleanliness, washing, and bathing were not given a high priority.  In the early years of civilization, most men shaved their heads while women braided their long hair into elaborate styles pinned to the top of their heads. They also covered their hair with netting scarves or turbans. Elaborate hairstyles soon became important for both men and women in Mesopotamia. Men started to grow their hair longer and would wear it in waves. The king began to wear a full beard and long braided hair tied in a large bun at the nape of his neck. Women continued to wear their hair long, twisting it into large buns that covered the top of the head to the base of the neck and adorning it with ribbons and pins.  

        Assyrian rule from 1380 to 612 BCE. altered hairstyles slightly. Men wore full beards and mustaches with long, curled hair. Some men are depicted as beardless and may be eunuchs, priests, doctors, and slaves, who had distinctive hairstyles. A portion and an incantation were used to treat graying hairs. Gods, royalty, soldiers, and religious personnel wore headdresses indicating their status or ritual functions. They were also known for the beauty of feet and hands, pedicures and manicures.

Head and body Massage:  Head and body massage was practiced in Mesopotamian civilizations

. Rich people employed hairdressers or slaves to put oil on the head and body and perform the massage. For massage, Almond oil and other oils were used.

Use of Hair Curler: Assyrian reliefs show most men with full beards and mustaches waved and curled at the ends. It proves hair curling has existed. They were using heated iron rods for curling hair.

Use of Wigs: Due to the hot weather, men prefer short hair. Even women with short hair want to show more hairstyles and use different types of wigs.s They know about making and using “wigs”.

Use of Shampoo: They use shampoos for washing their hair, prepared from vegetable or animal fats

Use of soap:    Sumerians washed in alkali solutions, while the Hittites cleaned themselves with the ash of the soapwort plant suspended in water. Soap-like material has been found in Babylonian clay jars dated at 2800 BCE. The first true soap, made of boiled goat fat, water, and ash with a lot of potassium carbonate, was developed by the Phoenicians around 600 BCE. This proves that they are using Soap.

Use of perfume: The word "perfume,” a Latin word meaning "through smoke," started to be used by the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, who used to burn the resin from desert shrubs such as myrrh, cassia, spikenard, and frankincense for their aromatic fragrance or simply toss them in a fire.

Use of Headwear: Mesopotamians used different types of Hats and Helmets.

Use of Hair Accessories:  Females of Mesopotamian civilizations used a net or scarf to hold the hair in place and a pleated headdress. They also decorated their hair with bands, jewelry, hairnets, hairpins, and ribbons. The wealthiest people decorated their elaborate hairstyles with beautifully made jewelry of gold and silver

 


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