Palette

The palette figured in pictures on tomb walls exactly corresponds with those which have been found. These consist of a rectangular block of wood varying from 10 ins. by 2 ins. to 16 ins. by 2½ ins. and about ½ of an inch thick. At one end are small hollows, usually only two, to hold the different pigments. Down the centre is cut a groove ending in a kind of pocket for holding the reed pens or brushes. Several palettes in other materials have been found, such as limestone, basalt, ivory, and sometimes they are inlaid or otherwise finely decorated. These, however, were probably funerary objects not intended for use. Sometimes they have been found buried with scribes, and the name of the owner is frequently engraved on them, followed by an inscription dedicating the palette to Thoth. The 94th chapter of the "Book of the Dead" contains a prayer to Thoth for a palette and ink pot.