Palette in the Shape of a Fish
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
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.
MEDIUM
Graywacke
DATES
ca. 3400–3200 B.C.E.
PERIOD
Predynastic Period, late Naqada II - early Naqada III Period
ACCESSION NUMBER
07.447.611
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.07.447.611_NegE_print_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall,
CUR.07.447.611_NegE_print_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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