Object 5
Surmāa Thanee containing Surmāa (kohl, a type of eye make-up), loaned by Monavar
“This is a Surmāa Thanee containing surmāa, once called kohl. It brings back my childhood memories as it was used by mothers who put it in their children’s eyes to enhance the eyes – to make them more beautiful. Also it was used, and still is used by some families, to ward off the Nazir (evil eye) and protect young children, especially babies.
Then, as time has moved on, the future generation has questioned the use of surmāa. Researchers like Dr Mohammed Aslam found that the black powder contained lead which was proven to be harmful in any form. Since then, some of the older generation still use it but others have realised that it is not the best thing to use to beautify the eyes”.