Description: A good-sized Predynastic rectangular green schist palette pierced centrally along one of the short sides. A small chip to one corner, some small chips adjacent to the piercing on one side and some patches of minor surface wear, otherwise condition good.
Size: 206 mm/8.1 ins. by 101 mm/4 ins.
Culture: Egyptian
Date: c. 3200 B.C.
Provenance: Ex Dutch private collection. Acquired by the previous owner's grandfather before 1974, thence by descent.
Notes: Such cosmetic palettes were used for grinding coloured copper and lead ores, such as malachite and galena, to make green or black eye paint.