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Fragments of rectangular palette
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 1
2960–2770 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Zawyet el-Aryan, Grave Z 2/5
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 18.5 x 14.1 x 0.8 cm (7 5/16 x 5 9/16 x 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.2500a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThese two stone fragments are from an undecorated (judging from the remainder) rectangular palette of greywacke. The pieces join, comprising a little more than two-thirds of the original. The surfaces of the stone are slightly worn, and some areas are stained.
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 2. 1910: 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: October 19, 1911)
(Accession date: October 19, 1911)