New Kingdom, 1550-1070 BC. A rectangular carved stone palette with chamfered underside; hatched surface with two couchant ibexes modelled in high relief, each with a scooped mixing bowl to the body; scoop to the underside. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] 124 grams, 98mm (4"). Property of a Connecticut, USA, collector; acquired from Pierre Berge, Paris, France; formerly with Dr. G. A. Th, Netherlands; acquired before 1964. During the second phase of the Naqada Period, palettes such as this began to acquire a variety of theriomorphic shapes. Made from schist from the Eastern Desert, they were employed in grinding eye paint for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In this period the basic ingredient of the paint was malachite, the green ore of copper. Some palettes have complex scenes carved into them relating to the political and religious power of the Pharaoh, as well as scenes of hunting. Those depicting various animals were possibly used in magical ceremonies to ensure the success of the hunt. They usually depict animals of the wild, such as the ibex, that were considered a danger to cattle and crops, and which were regarded as manifestations of the powers of chaos dwelling in the desert.

Fine condition.