Palette in the Shape of a Fish
ca. 3400-3200 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Cosmetic
- Formatted Medium
- Graywacke
- Medium
- graywacke
- Locations
- Place excavated: El Ma'mariya, Egypt, Place excavated: el Ma'mariya, Egypt
- Dimensions
- 6 11/16 x 4 1/8 in. (17 x 10.5 cm)
- Accession Number
- 07.447.611
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
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