Beard History: Part One. Ancient Egypt September 18, 2014 16:35
The golden mask from the mummy of Tutankhamun wearing the nemes headdress with postiche.
In Ancient Egypt only the highest ranked grew hair on their chin, Their beards were often dyed with henna ( a natural dye taken from a small tree or large shrub) still used in India for hair coloring and henna tattoos. The beard was often plaited with interwoven gold thread.
A metal false beard called a postiche was a sign of sovereignty, and worn by kings. The postiche was held in place by a ribbon tied over the head and attached to a gold chin strap, this beard fashion existed in Ancient Egypt from about 3000 to 1580 BC.