Ancient Egyptian Schist palette, 18 x 9 cm

A cosmetic palette carved from schist in a rhomboidal or fusiform shape and decorated with two stylised bird heads. This type of palette with animal heads on the edges is representative of the Naqada II period. These early examples of palettes with zoomorphic motifs may have had a magical propitiatory character for hunting, but may also have been the result of the direct and daily contact that Egyptians had with the landscape that surrounded them in the heart of the Nile. According to the typology of P. Flinders 1 this palette would be type 67 D-H. -Similar items: Possible comparison with the Tortoise Palette held by the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid (Spain) , since stylistically it also belongs to the period of Naqada II and its similarities with the palette presented here are evident both in its style and in its material and function. (attached pictures) . Provenance: Collection Pierre, Claude & Jeanine Vérite, 1930-1980 / Hotel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 2019 Statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Important: For destinations out of Spanish territorry: all our object will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland