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| Schist palette |  |
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The elongated rhomboidal palette with convex profile is incised with a double stepped-shaped hieroglyph to one side. The faces show traces of 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. Palettes 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 malachite and galena were used as natural pigments, mixed with water and gum so the mixture could be easily applied around the eyes Predynastic Period. Naqada I, 4200-3700 BC Cf. For an 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, p. 114, fig. 58. |
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Rupert Wace Ancient Art
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