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.