Egyptians.

The Coptic inhabitants are described in the article COPTS, and the
rural population under FELLAH. It remains here to describe
characteristics and customs common to the Moslem Egyptians and
particularly to those of the cities. In some respects the manner of
life of the natives has been modified by contact with Europeans, and
what follows depicts in general the habits of the people where little
affected by western culture. With regard to physical characteristics
the Egyptians are of full average height (the men are mostly 5 ft. 8
in. or 5 ft. 9 in), and both sexes are remarkably well proportioned
and of strong physique. The Cairenes and the inhabitants of Lower
Egypt generally have a clear complexion and soft skin of a light
yellowish colour; those of Middle Egypt have a tawny skin, and the
dwellers in Upper Egypt a deep bronze or brown complexion. The face of
the men is of a fine oval, forehead prominent but seldom high,
straight nose, eyes deep set, black and brilliant, mouth well formed,
but with rather full lips, regular teeth beautifully made, and beard
usually black and curly but scanty. Moustaches are worn, while the
head is shaved save for a small tuft (called _shusheh_) upon the
crown. As to the women, "from the age of about fourteen to that of
eighteen or twenty, they are generally models of beauty in body and
limbs; and in countenance most of them are pleasing, and many
exceedingly lovely; but soon after they have attained their perfect
growth, they rapidly decline." There are few Egyptian women over forty
who retain either good looks or good figures. "The forms of womanhood
begin to develop themselves about the ninth and tenth year: at the
age of fifteen or sixteen they generally attain their highest degree
of perfection. With regard to their complexions, the same remarks
apply to them as to the men, with only this difference, that their
faces, being generally veiled when they go abroad, are not quite so
much tanned as those of the men. They are characterized, like the men,
by a fine oval countenance, though in some instances it is rather
broad. The eyes, with very few exceptions, are black, large and of a
long almond-form, with long and beautiful lashes, and an exquisitely
soft, bewitching expression--eyes more beautiful can hardly be
conceived: their charming effect is much heightened by the concealment
of the other features