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Ovoid palette
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 2
2750–2649 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Zawyet el-Aryan, Grave Z 133
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 18.5 x 15.8 x 1 cm (7 5/16 x 6 1/4 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.2497
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThe outer edge of this ovoid palette of greywacke is decorated with an incised, single-line border with additional short lines in a saw-tooth/chevron pattern. One surface of the palette has been worn slightly concave from use.
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 Zawyet el-Aryan, Grave Z 133 (Z/133/3). 1911: Excavated by the Harvard University–Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: October 19, 1911)
(Accession Date: October 19, 1911)