Ancient Egypt, Pre-Dynastic Period, Gerzeran Period, ca. 3000 BCE. A smooth, flat, greenish-grey schist palette, in the form of a pheasant- or partridge-like bird. The shape of the palette is a rounded body with a small projecting foot and head. A hole is drilled through to form an eye; there is another hole drilled through the bird's upper body, perhaps used to hang this item on a wall for storage. Palettes like this one were used by the Egyptians to make cosmetics for eye paint and eye protection. They are often found in the form of stylized animals; more elaborate forms, some with relief carvings, were made for temple ceremonies where priests would apply makeup to images of deities. Size: 4" L x 2.4" W x .25" H (10.2 cm x 6.1 cm x 0.6 cm)

Provenance: private Illinois, USA collection; ex collection of Seward Kennedy, New York, USA; ex Ancient Resource Gallery, Los Angeles, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#129366

Piece has well done restoration across its mid-section, the head, and above the foot that is almost impossible to see. Otherwise in very nice condition with light surface scratching commensurate with age and use.