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Shield-shaped palette with double bird motif
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 2
possibly 2750–2649 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Zawyet el-Aryan, Grave Z 107
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Height x width x thickness: 27.9 x 12.1 x 0.7 cm (11 x 4 3/4 x 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.2490
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThis greywacke palette is shield-shaped (scutiform) with rounded sides, an almost pointed bottom, two bird heads carved at the top. One head has mostly broken off and is missing, and the other is chipped only at crown. A drilled eye is preserved in the better preserved head. The outer edges of the palette are slightly chipped. One surface has indications of use in the form of staining and hack marks.
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 107, 2 (Z/107/2). 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)