Ancient Man and His First Civilizations

Late Predynastic Period, about 3000 B.C.

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.