Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

From story
A Step by Step guide to Egyptian Mummification
Download Image View story
Colour photograph of a shell with rust coloured staining inside Add to board
This resource is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

Ancient Egyptian Paint Holder

This paint holder is made from the shell of the giant clam from the Red Sea. Egyptians often used natural objects to store paint and cosmetics.

SUPER SCIENCE! Testing by the University of York found the shell contains red paint made from of red ochre, plant oil and plant gum, a similar combination to that used to paint a royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings, c. 1500 BCE.

Image: © Harrogate Borough Council, Museums and Arts Service