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Lenticular palette with bird head
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Naqada I–III, 3850–2960 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.7 cm (4 1/8 x 3 3/8 x 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Emily Esther Sears Fund
Accession Number03.1480
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThis greywacke palette in generally lenticular shape with a small protrusion in the shape of a stylised bird head at one end. The beak has broken off. No further details are evident. A suspension hole has been drilled along an outer edge. There are no significant signs of use/wear. A slight stain appears on one face.
The shape of this palette was once categorized as a fish, the bird's head having been misinterpreted as the rear fins of a fish. Reclassification was made by comparison with contemporary material. Additionally, fish palettes are customarily are less ovoid in proportions as this one.
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.
The shape of this palette was once categorized as a fish, the bird's head having been misinterpreted as the rear fins of a fish. Reclassification was made by comparison with contemporary material. Additionally, fish palettes are customarily are less ovoid in proportions as this one.
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.
ProvenanceSaid to be from Naqada. 1903: purchased for the MFA from Mohamed Mohassib, Luxor, Egypt by Albert M. Lythgoe as part of a group (03.1474-03.1490) for £4. Acquired with funds from the Emily Esther Sears Fund. (Accession Date: January 1, 1903)