Anon
Schist Palette with Hieroglyph
greywacke
height 18 3/4 inches
47.6 cm
47.6 cm
Egyptian. Predynastic Period. Naqada I, Amratian, 4200-3700 BC
This unusually large elongated rhomboidal palette with convex profile is incised with a double stepped-shaped hieroglyph to one side. The faces show wear consistent with use. Palettes constitute the most...
This unusually large elongated rhomboidal palette with convex profile is incised with a double stepped-shaped hieroglyph to one side. The faces show wear consistent with use.
Palettes constitute the most characteristic funereal offerings of the Naqada culture. The great majority of palettes were executed in schist (slate), a stone found near the Wadi Hammamat. They were used to grind colourants for use in cosmetics, particularly kohl for use around the eyes, cutting down the glare from the sun as well as emphasising the eyes cosmetically. Both the natural pigments malachite and galena were used, mixed with water and gum so the mixture could be easily applied around the eyes.
Palettes constitute the most characteristic funereal offerings of the Naqada culture. The great majority of palettes were executed in schist (slate), a stone found near the Wadi Hammamat. They were used to grind colourants for use in cosmetics, particularly kohl for use around the eyes, cutting down the glare from the sun as well as emphasising the eyes cosmetically. Both the natural pigments malachite and galena were used, mixed with water and gum so the mixture could be easily applied around the eyes.
Provenance
Private Collection, The Netherlands
Literature
Jac Janssen et al, 'Égypte Eender en Anders' (Amsterdam, 1984) pp. 105-106, no. 227
For a similarly elongated rhomboidal palette see Lawrence M. Berman, with Kenneth J. Bohac, Patricia S. Griffin and Bruce Christman; introduction by Arielle P. Kozloff, The Cleveland Museum of Art; Catalogue of Egyptian Art, (Cleveland, 1999) p114, fig 58
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