Bull Palette
Late Predynastic Period, about 3000 BC
Mudstone
Musée du Louvre E 11255 = AF 1706
cat. no. 1

From early times, the bull embodied strength and sexual potency. On both sides of this shield-shaped ceremonial palette, an unnamed ruler appears at the top as a rampaging bull trampling an enemy. Below, on the right side, are five poles or standards bearing divine emblems. The standards terminate in human hands grasping a rope, which probably encircled the fallen enemies, one of whom appears at the bottom.

When complete, the palette would have had a circular depression in one side for grinding eyepaint, but it is unlikely that this object was ever used for such a purpose. Instead, this large ceremonial palette was probably dedicated in a temple as an offering of thanks for the military victory alluded to in the imagery.

Below the figure of the king depicted as a rampaging bull, two captured towns are shown as fortified enclosures with their names written inside. These names are among the earliest examples of hieroglyphic writing and have not yet been deciphered.

Also see the front of this piece.