Image: Ancient Egyptian Scribe's palette HARGM7677

Description: Wooden scribe's palette with five separate paints made from blends of minerals, gums and olis, the presence of modern turpentine in the red paint suggests some reuse in the early 20th century. The palette is rectangular shape, with rectilinear depression for writing pens. No lid. It has been suggested a possible fake, the five depressions are unusual, as Egyptians preferred symmetrical layouts. The lack of a lid, and any grooves for a lid is also unusual however scientific analysis has dated it c.1500-500 BC Scribes are generally buried with their writing palettes as a symbol of their profession. Usually contian several circular holes for ink and central recess for stylus-like reeds used as writing implements.
Title: Ancient Egyptian Scribe's palette
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Author: Staff or representatives of Harrogate Museums and Arts service
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License: CC BY-SA 4.0
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