Ancient Egyptian cosmetic palette from Naqada Hierakonpolis Kostamneh dated 5300 – 3000 BC

Hard stone palette roughly oval in shape with shallow depression in top of palette, probably resulting from wear in use. Used for grinding cosmetics, possibly red ochre. Pinkish grey porphyry. Type found in Nubia and also occurs in Egyptian graves.

Ancient Egyptian cosmetic palette from Naqada Hierakonpolis Kostamneh dated 5300 – 3000 BC

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1920.10.4.a
  • Material: porphyry
  • Culture: Lower Egypt - Upper Egypt
  • Period: Predynastic Period
  • Dated: 5300 - 3000 BC
  • Object name: cosmetic palette
  • Dimensions: Length: 99mm , Width: 79.5mm , Depth: 19mm
  • Published references: For Kostamneh see EEF Archaeological Report 1905-6, 20; 1907-8, 19; ASAE 8, 138