Palette with Double Bird Head

ca. 3300-3000 B.C.E.

Egyptians rubbed palettes like these with small pebbles to grind green or black pigment for eye paint. These cosmetics accentuated the eyes and protected against sun glare and infection. Eye paint palettes were also thought to provide magical protection, which could be enhanced by giving them animal shapes such as the three examples shown here. The palettes were important possessions that were often buried with their owners.