Palette – zoomorphic, Barbary sheep PAL-0007
By Droux, Xavier
, Cemetery HK43/33, tomb 528.
1897–1899 : Egypt Exploration Fund excavation.Cambridge, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Z 15763.
Date : Naqada IIC–D
General date of type pal_bov_1b and period of use of cemetery, see Droux (2019).
Material : Greywacke
Preservation : Almost complete
Preservation information :
Chip on backside; the tips of the legs are missing.
Description
This is a rather small example of a palette shaped as a Barbary-sheep. The animal has an ovoid silhouette with well-made details; it is shown standing, 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 drilled hole fitted with ostrich (?) eggshel discs for the eyes, which are preserved on both sides. The mouth is indicated at the tip of the muzzle by a small incision. The ears and jawline are not indicated. The horns curl toward the back, following the outline of the head, before turning back toward the chin; incised lines indicate the bosses. The right and left horns are separated from one another by a longitudinal groove. The characteristic chest mane is indicated by a narrrow projection at the front of the palette with a series of small, incised dashes representing the hair. Both legs were carved out under the body of the animal, although they are now mostly lost. Their original appearance was likely similar to the legs of palette belonging to group pal_bov_1a (see e.g. PAL-0002) rather than folded under the belly. A short tail is indicated at the back.
Dimensions (cm)
9.1
13.9
0.6
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).
