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Rectangular palette
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Naqada III 3300–2960 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Naga el-Hai (Qena), tomb K 2093
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 19 x 8.2 x 1.1 cm (7 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number13.3913
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThis greywacke palette is shaped as a rectangle with rouned corners and slightly convex short sides. Its outer edges are slightly beveled and have been chipped. Traces of green pigment remain on the active surface and indicate 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 Naga el-Hai (Qena), tomb K 2093. 1913: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: December 4, 1913)
(Accession Date: December 4, 1913)