Description:

Ancient Egypt, Pre-Dynastic Period, late Naqada II to early Naqada III, ca. 3500 to 3100 BC. A pair of large stone slabs carved and polished into flattened rhomboid palettes. Both have slight wear to center of one face - a faint depression and pitting where the cosmetics were crushed into powders and / or mixed with oils or liquids into a paste for application. Cosmetics such as galena (kohl) and other powdered stone or clay pigments were for used for beautification as well as eye protection from the sun. More elaborate forms of these palettes, some with relief carvings, were made for temple ceremonies where priests would apply makeup to images of deities. Size of longer palette: 13.5" L x 3.25" W (34.3 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-Martin Boxer estate, Denver, Colorado, USA

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#175239

  • Condition: Losses to tips and faces to both as shown and surface abrasions. Light mineral deposits on surfaces. No repairs or restoration.

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February 16, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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