Overview
The Palette of King Narmer is a crucial artifact from Predynastic Egypt (c. 3000–2920 B.C.E.), providing insight into early Egyptian art, ritual, kingship, and possibly the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Discovery and Significance
- The Narmer Palette was discovered in 1898 at Hierakonpolis in a temple devoted to Horus.
- It is made of grey-green siltstone, about 64 x 42 cm, and highly valued—never allowed to leave Egypt.
- The palette was a ceremonial object, ritually buried with other sacred implements.
Function and Use
- Ordinary palettes in the period were used for grinding cosmetics, especially eye makeup to reduce sun glare.
- Elaborate palettes like Narmer’s were used in temple ceremonies, potentially for ritual application to gods' images.
Artistic Conventions and Features
- The palette shows conventions that became standard in Egyptian art: hierarchical scale, registers (horizontal zones), composite pose of figures, royal regalia, and symbolic objects.
- Narmer is depicted twice as a human and possibly symbolically as a bull destroying a city.
- Features mythical creatures (serpopards), sandal-bearers, enemies, and symbols linked to Egyptian beliefs and power.
Iconography and Interpretation
- The two sides show Narmer wearing the White Crown (Upper Egypt) and the Red Crown (Lower Egypt), marking him as ruler of both.
- The imagery may depict the historical unification of Egypt or symbolize the idea of unity.
- Details include decapitated and castrated foes, processions, and references to solar mythology and the balance of order (maat) and chaos (isfet).
- Bull heads, palace façade, hieroglyphics, and boats enrich the symbolic content.
Lasting Influence
- The palette sets visual and symbolic conventions repeated throughout Egyptian history.
- The dual crowns’ symbolism persists in later crown designs, representing the pharaoh's rule over all Egypt.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Palette — Flat stone used to grind cosmetics, often decorated in ceremonial contexts.
- Hierakonpolis — Early capital of Egypt, site where the palette was found.
- Serpopard — Mythical creature depicted on the palette, a leopard with a snake-like neck.
- Register — Horizontal band organizing a scene in Egyptian art.
- Hierarchical Scale — Artistic convention where the most important figure is largest.
- Maat — Ancient Egyptian concept of cosmic order and truth.
- Isfet — Ancient Egyptian concept of chaos and disorder.
- Red Crown (Deshret) — Symbol of Lower Egypt.
- White Crown (Hedjet) — Symbol of Upper Egypt.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams and images of the Narmer Palette for visual identification.
- Study the meaning of Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egyptian art conventions.
- Read more about Egyptian religious concepts (maat and isfet) and kingship.