Ancient Egyptian fish cosmetic palette from Abydos dated 3500 – 3200 BC

Palette in the shape of a Tilapia fish with incised details of head, eyes, gills, tail and fins. Pierced at top. From cemetery north-east and north of Shunet el-Zebib.

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1926.42.5
  • Material: siltstone
  • Culture: Gerzean Period, Naqada 2
  • Period: Predynastic Period
  • Dated: 3500 - 3200 BC
  • Object name: fish cosmetic palette
  • Dimensions: Length: 155mm , Width: 100mm , Depth: 5mm
  • Published references: Frankfort J E A 1 ( 1930 ) p 2 5 pl XXXI 4 ( upper )
  • Site: Abydos
  • Latitude: 26.185
  • Longitude: 31.918889