Name: Egyptian Pre Dynastic Zoomorphic Schist Palette
Brand: Art for Eternity
SKU: 17093
Price: 7500.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Egyptian Pre Dynastic Zoomorphic Schist Palette

$7,500.00

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Finely shaped zoomorphic cosmetic palette carved from a thin, dark grey siltstone, in the stylized form of a recumbent bovine, possibly a cow or antelope. The body is rendered as a broad, gently convex ovoid, tapering to a short snout at one end and a squared rump at the other. The head is simply outlined, with a short projecting muzzle and a stepped, horn‑like projection above, suggesting a schematic representation of horns or ears. Along the lower edge, a series of small, carefully cut notches indicate the folded/trussed legs/hooves of the animal, while the upper edge remains smooth to preserve a continuous grinding surface. Both faces are subtly convex and finely ground, bearing light scratching and polish from the repeated grinding of mineral pigments. The form is otherwise undecorated, relying on the elegant silhouette of the animal for its effect, in keeping with the most refined Naqada II zoomorphic palettes.

Cosmetic palettes of this type were used for grinding green malachite and grey galena to produce eye paint, a standard component of personal adornment and ritual practice in Predynastic Egypt. Zoomorphic examples such as the present piece represent a development from earlier rectangular palettes, combining a practical grinding surface with animal imagery that probably carried symbolic or protective associations. The modest size and wear suggest this was a functioning personal object rather than a purely ceremonial piece, later deposited as a grave offering.
Close parallels include greywacke palettes in the form of bovids, antelopes and birds in the Metropolitan Museum, British Museum and Petrie Museum, many of which are dated to ca. 3500–3300 BC. The schematic head, ovoid body and notched leg treatment closely recall a “palette in form of cow or antelope” in the Petrie Museum (UC15770), cited as typical of Naqada II zoomorphic production.

Size 2-1/4 inches H x 3-3/8 inches W. + plexi base.

Provenance: Acquired from The Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York, invoice no. 3373, 19 April 1988, described there as a “Middle Predynastic slate palette of the Predynastic period… carved in the form of a stylized cow,” Naqada II, ca. 3600–3400 BC (copy of invoice on file). Acquired by Robert S., Rye, New York.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

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Egyptian Pre Dynastic Zoomorphic Schist Palette

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Egyptian Pre Dynastic Zoomorphic Schist Palette