Palette – zoomorphic, Barbary sheep PAL-0006
By Droux, Xavier
, Tomb 26i2.
1905–1906 : Deutsche Orient-Gesellschaft excavation.Cairo, National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, JE 38200.
Date : Naqada IIC–D
General date of type pal_bov_1b and period of use of cemetery, see Droux (2019).
Material : Greywacke
Preservation : Intact
Description
This is a large example of a palette shaped as a Barbary-sheep, with well-made details. It is mostly ovoid in shape. The animal is shown in a recumbent position, with the head protruding directly from the body. A small hole is drilled through the back, likely for attaching a string or thong.
Decoration
Details of the head include a depression for the eye, a notch for the mouth, and a leaf-shaped ear with three small depressions indicating its internal details. A curved line, that runs from the tip of the ear toward muzzle represents the jawline. The horns curl toward the back, following the outline of the head, before turning back toward the chin, a small distance below the jawline; incised lines indicate the bosses. The chest mane is indicated by a projection at the front of the body, on which parallel lines emphasise the long hair. The tail seems to be lightly indicated on the hindquarters. The legs are also well detailed, in a resting position, folded under the belly.
Dimensions (cm)
21
20.5
Additional information
pal_bov_1b
Comments
Palettes of shape-type pal_bov_1 are all carved in the shape of the Barbary sheep; sub-type 1a pre-dates sub-type 1b; see Droux (2019). It is unclear if objects currently displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civlisation were given new inventory numbers.
References
1926
Die archäologischen Ergebnisse des vorgeschichtlichen Gräberfeldes von Abusir el-Meleq. Ausgrabungen der Deutschen Orient-Gesellschaft auf dem Vorgeschichtlichen Gräberfeld von Abusir el-Meleq 1. Leipzig
, 50.