Palette – zoomorphic, Barbary sheep PAL-0010
By Droux, Xavier
Archaeological site unknown.
1902 : bought by the Rev. Chauncey Murch from M. Mohassib, Egypt.London, British Museum, EA 36368.
Date : Naqada IIC–D
General date of type pal_bov_1b, see Droux (2019).
Material : Greywacke
Preservation : Intact
Description
This is a fairly large example of a palette shaped as a Barbary-sheep, with well-made details. It is mostly ovoid in shape and the animal is shown is a recumbent position, the head - looking backward - protruding directly from the body. A small hole is drilled through the back, likely for attaching a string or thong.
Decoration
The head is well detailed and treated in a similar way on both sides. The characteristic crescent-shaped horns curve around the back of the head and toward the front. The bosses are indicated by a series of serrations. Seen frontally, the two horns are separated from one another by a longitudinal groove. Both ears are leaf-shaped; they are carved one on each side, near the base of the horn. Their inernal detail is limited to a shallow groove running along their centre. Almond-shaped inclusions of pierced (ostrich ?) shell give a vivid impression to the eyes. The mouth and nostrils are also indicated, and the line of the lower jaw is carefully carved. The chest mane is indicated by a series of small dashes incised along the edge of the projection at the front of the palette, but the carver also took advantage of the natural veining of the stone to give it a more realistic appearance. Both legs are folded under the body, with careful details of the hooves. A short tail is indicated at the back by small incisions.
Dimensions (cm)
16.2
23
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).
Acknowledgements
We thank Renée Friedman for facilitating the study of this artefact.
