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Rectangular palette
Egyptian
Early Dynastic Period, Dynasty 1
2960–2770 B.C.
Object Place: Egypt, Quft
Medium/Technique
Greywacke
Dimensions
Length x width x thickness: 7.8 x 10 x 0.8 cm (3 1/16 x 3 15/16 x 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Brought from Harvard Camp
Accession Number47.1645
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionRectangular palette of dark gray stone. Incised double-line border line on one face. Possible signs of wear. Excellent condition.
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.
Provenance[Provenance issue: Exp.Ph. # and 1947 Harvard Camp history look more like Reisner/Hearst Expedition than Lythgoe purchase. Needs clarification?]
From Quft. Exp.Ph. O.S. C 1822
Purchased by Albert M. Lythgoe in Egypt; January, 1901 for the MFA. Brought from Harvard Camp in 1947
From Quft. Exp.Ph. O.S. C 1822
Purchased by Albert M. Lythgoe in Egypt; January, 1901 for the MFA. Brought from Harvard Camp in 1947