Bellet palette
This is the oldest palette found in Egypt, from a tomb in Gerza and dated to the Predynastic period. It was part of the funerary equipment in the shape of an oval. The surface is decorated with the stylised relief of a cow's head, of magical and religious significance, with horns pointing upwards and prominent ears. Five stars complete the decoration. The image evokes the goddess Hathor in the form of a cow often identified with the celestial world. Traces of malachite still present on the reverse suggest the actual use of the palette.
