Palette in the Shape of a Fish
ca. 3400–3200 B.C.E.
1 of 3
Object Label
Stone palettes were used as surfaces on which to grind green or black pigments into powder. After adding a gum-like adhesive to the powder, the mixture was applied as eye makeup.
This palette represents a tilapia fish, which lived in the Nile and was emblematic of fertility. The Egyptians also ate tilapia, and it is still a popular dish today.
This palette represents a tilapia fish, which lived in the Nile and was emblematic of fertility. The Egyptians also ate tilapia, and it is still a popular dish today.
Caption
Palette in the Shape of a Fish, ca. 3400–3200 B.C.E.. Graywacke, 6 11/16 x 4 1/8 in. (17 x 10.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.611. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Palette in the Shape of a Fish
Date
ca. 3400–3200 B.C.E.
Period
Predynastic Period, late Naqada II - early Naqada III Period
Geography
Place excavated: El Ma'mariya, Egypt
Medium
Graywacke
Classification
Dimensions
6 11/16 x 4 1/8 in. (17 x 10.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
07.447.611
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