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Double bird head palette
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 1
2960–2770 B.C.
Object Place: Egypt, Shiekh Ali (Abadiya)
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 27.7 x 11 x 0.9 cm (10 7/8 x 4 5/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Brought from Harvard Camp
Accession Number47.1640
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionShield-shaped (scutiform) palette of gray stone. Top carved with double (highly stylized) bird head motif. Surface has slight pitting, perhaps from use.
No suspension hole.
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.
No suspension hole.
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.
Provenance[Provenance issue: Dates and Exp.Ph. # look like Reisner/Hearst Expedition information, as does the 1947 Harvard Camp history, rather than Lythgoe. Needs to be clarified.]
From Sheikh Ali (Abadiya). Exp.Ph. O.S. C 1822
Purchased by Albert M. Lythgoe in Egypt, 1900-1901 for the MFA. Brought from Harvard Camp in 1947
From Sheikh Ali (Abadiya). Exp.Ph. O.S. C 1822
Purchased by Albert M. Lythgoe in Egypt, 1900-1901 for the MFA. Brought from Harvard Camp in 1947