Palette – zoomorphic, antelope PAL-0036
By Droux, Xavier
Archaeological site unknown.
Before 06.1981 : With Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel. 16.06.1981 : Sold at auction by Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel. 15.04.2015 : Sold by Christie's London.Collection unknown, (private collection?).
Date : Naqada IIC–D (?)
By comparison with palettes of type pal_bov_2b, see Droux (2019).
Material : Greywacke
Description
The palette has a mostly ovoid shape with added stylised zoomorphic details. The antelope is shown standing, with its head raised. A small hole is drilled through the back, likely for attaching a string or thong.
Decoration
The silhouette of this animal shares many characteristics with hartebeest palettes of type pal_bov_2b. Yet its horns, although not fully preserved, had a different, unusual shape, which renders the identification of the precise species difficult.
The horns were at first straight and oriented backward. It is possible, but not certain, that they curved downward and were attached at the tip to the neck; alternatively, they could have curved frontward at the tip. The ear seems to have been indicated as a protrusion at the back of the head. No other details of the head were made. The legs are short, possibly with carved details of the hoofs. The tail is not indicated.
Dimensions (cm)
10.3
Additional information
Comments
A number, written in black ink or pencil, is visible on one side of the palette.