Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Palettes such as these were a common feature of early burial assemblages. Originally designed to prepare minerals for cosmetics, the earliest known palettes were simple geometric shapes with a circular well for grinding. More elaborate examples, such as the one carved in the shape of a gazelle, were included in burials and temple deposits, probably serving as votive offerings. Its strong, crisp lines distinguish it as part of the beginning of the Egyptian relief-carving tradition.