Preparations to include Arab kohl on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage lists are highlighting one of the oldest women's cosmetic products and its resilience. Arab kohl, considered part of the folk heritage of Arab peoples for women, men, and children alike, has maintained its status and presence among the modern cosmetic products that have flooded the markets. Despite the emergence of global cosmetics brands, most of which contain chemical substances, Arab kohl, with a history of use spanning thousands of years, continues to be popular among women, including young girls who use it alongside modern cosmetics that have failed to replace it. Arab kohl is distinguished by its natural properties, free from chemical substances, which has made it popular for what users believe are its health benefits for the eyes and eyelashes, as well as its aesthetic advantages that give the appearance of wider eyes for hours after application, unlike liquid synthetic kohl, which is limited to cosmetic use. Arab kohl is made from natural materials, the most famous of which is 'al-asmud', a stone that is ground and filtered through a piece of cloth, then placed in containers for use with a 'al-mawrad', a thin tool that is covered in kohl and passed along the eye. Additionally, Arab kohl makers, particularly elderly women who in some Arab countries still uphold this tradition, use 'date pits', which they expose to the sun, roast, grind, and filter to make them ready for use. The custom of applying Arab kohl to the eyes of newborns is considered an ancient inherited tradition, where parents ensure their children's eyes are kohl-lined at birth for health reasons and to protect them from the evil eye, as they believe. It is expected that the inclusion of Arab kohl on UNESCO lists will help it remain a striking symbolic emblem of Arab heritage, still used by many women in numerous Arab countries, including Gulf nations and the Levant. The results of Arab kohl's inclusion on UNESCO lists are scheduled to be released early next December during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be held in New Delhi, India.
