Why did the Egyptians apply makeup to the body even though they  covered it with bandages?

The ancient Egyptians applied makeup and ointments to the body before mummification for several reasons:

1. Religious Beliefs: The Egyptians believed in life after death. They thought that the soul would return to the body after death, so they wanted the body to be as lifelike as possible. Makeup was used to give the deceased a more lifelike appearance.

2. Preservation: The makeup and ointments used had preservative properties. They helped to slow down the decomposition of the body.

3. Ritual Purification: The application of makeup and ointments was part of the mummification process. It was a ritual act of purification.

4. Protection: The makeup and ointments used were believed to have protective properties. They were thought to protect the body in the afterlife.

5. Symbolism: The colors used in the makeup had symbolic meanings. For example, green represented rebirth and black represented fertility.

So, even though the body was covered with bandages, the Egyptians still applied makeup and ointments to it. They believed that this would help the deceased in the afterlife.