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Double bird palette
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Naqada I–II, 3850–3300 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Mesaid, Tomb 148
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.4 cm (1 7/8 x 1 1/4 x 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.231
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThis greywacke palette has been shaped with two opposing stylized bird heads atop a roughly rectangular body. The majority of one head has broken off and is missing, while the other head is intact. No suspension hole is evident. Both the upper and lower extents of the main palette area have a triangular notch on each side, possibly for stringing. The surface of the stone shows considerable scratching.
Stone palettes are identified particularly with earlier periods of ancient Egyptian history. Non-functional (in the utilitarian sense), often elaborately decorated "ceremonial" examples are known. Often simpler, functional examples were used to grind and mix mineral-based pigments (including ocher, malachite, hematite) that were often mixed with other substances to make cosmetics or other decorative media.
Stone palettes are identified particularly with earlier periods of ancient Egyptian history. Non-functional (in the utilitarian sense), often elaborately decorated "ceremonial" examples are known. Often simpler, functional examples were used to grind and mix mineral-based pigments (including ocher, malachite, hematite) that were often mixed with other substances to make cosmetics or other decorative media.
ProvenanceFrom Mesaid [Mesa'eed] tomb 148, no. 1 [M/148/1]. 1910: excavated by the Harvard University–Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: March 2, 1911)
(Accession Date: March 2, 1911)