Predynastic Period, Naqada II Predynastic Schist Cosmetic Palette
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,200
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Predynastic Schist Cosmetic Palette, Naqada II culture, 4th millennium BC, a trapezoidal schist palette used for grinding minerals to cosmetics and pigments, length 15.5 cm; condition Very good +; provenance from a French auction house, formerly from a French private collection, acquired in 1970, current acquisition from France in 2026, supplied with a minimal matte black display stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare Predynastic Schist Cosmetic Palette - Naqada II Culture
Culture: Ancient Egypt:
Chronology: Predynastic Period, Naqada II Culture (4th millennium BC)
Material: Schist
Dimensions: Length 15.5 cm
Description:
An important cosmetic palette of trapezoidal shape, finely carved from a solid block of schist. In Predynastic Egypt, these artifacts were essential in both daily life and high-ranking funerary contexts, utilized for grinding minerals (such as galena and malachite) to produce cosmetic and ritual pigments. The surface of the object shows evident and genuine striations resulting from the original grinding process, providing a concrete testament to its practical use millennia ago. Its generous dimensions (15.5 cm) and formal rigor make it an object of exceptional archaeological interest.
Condition:
The artifact is intact, structurally solid, and free of any modern restoration or alteration. There is a physiological and consistent wear along the edges. An old circular cataloging label bearing the handwritten inscription "4 Egpt 1" is firmly affixed to the surface.
Provenance:
Highly prestigious collecting pedigree. The artifact comes from an old French private collection, legally acquired at a public auction in 1970.
Exhibition Notes:
The lot is supplied complete with a minimal matte black display stand, specifically designed and custom-made to elevate the artifact, enhance its morphology and the texture of the stone, and ensure a museum-quality display.
Rare Predynastic Schist Cosmetic Palette - Naqada II Culture
Culture: Ancient Egypt:
Chronology: Predynastic Period, Naqada II Culture (4th millennium BC)
Material: Schist
Dimensions: Length 15.5 cm
Description:
An important cosmetic palette of trapezoidal shape, finely carved from a solid block of schist. In Predynastic Egypt, these artifacts were essential in both daily life and high-ranking funerary contexts, utilized for grinding minerals (such as galena and malachite) to produce cosmetic and ritual pigments. The surface of the object shows evident and genuine striations resulting from the original grinding process, providing a concrete testament to its practical use millennia ago. Its generous dimensions (15.5 cm) and formal rigor make it an object of exceptional archaeological interest.
Condition:
The artifact is intact, structurally solid, and free of any modern restoration or alteration. There is a physiological and consistent wear along the edges. An old circular cataloging label bearing the handwritten inscription "4 Egpt 1" is firmly affixed to the surface.
Provenance:
Highly prestigious collecting pedigree. The artifact comes from an old French private collection, legally acquired at a public auction in 1970.
Exhibition Notes:
The lot is supplied complete with a minimal matte black display stand, specifically designed and custom-made to elevate the artifact, enhance its morphology and the texture of the stone, and ensure a museum-quality display.
Details
Culture
Predynastic Period, Naqada II
Century/timeframe
4th millennium BC
Name of object
Predynastic Schist Cosmetic Palette
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
