PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, NAQADA II, CIRCA 3000 B.C.

Details

AN EGYPTIAN SCHIST COSMETIC PALETTE
PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, NAQADA II, CIRCA 3000 B.C.
In the form of a turtle, the elongated body with four short legs projecting outward, the triangular tapering head with concentric circular eyes drilled at their centers, the nostrils articulated, perforated at the opposing end
7¾ in. (19.7 cm.) long

Provenance

Dr. Ulrich Muller, Zurich, 1968-1978.
with Sands of Time, Washington, D.C., 2005.

Literature

H. Bloesch, Das Tier in der Antike, Zurich, 1974, no. 8.

Exhibited

Zurich, Archäologischen Institute der Unversität Zürich, 21 September-17 November 1974, Das Tier in der Antike.
San Bernardino, Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, 2005-14.

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Lot Essay

The freshwater turtle (Trionyx triunguis) was among the favored subjects for cosmetic palettes in the Predynastic period. According to Patch (Dawn of Egyptian Art, p. 26), "the turtle had a dual representation: on the one hand, the animal was connected to chaos and disorder, a negative association; it could be a potent amulet, however, because the turtle's negative character could be construed as a protective force. The palette was a personal item, so the choice of the turtle's form may reflect a desire for protection from a worrisome environment."

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