Prehistoric Hohokam Slate Pigment Palette

Native American, Southwest United States, Hohokam culture, ca. 500 to 1400 CE. A Hohokam slate implement or pigment palette, carved from a dark, fine-grained stone slab and shaped into a rectangular form with worked edges. The surface shows areas of smoothing and wear consistent with grinding or mixing activities, suggesting use in the preparation of pigments, minerals, or other substances. A beveled edge along one side may have facilitated handling or scraping during use. Stone palettes and grinding implements of this type were used in Hohokam craft traditions to process mineral pigments, plant materials, or other compounds employed in painting, ceremonial decoration, or domestic production. The flat working surface and slate material would have suited it for grinding ochre and other colorants used to decorate pottery, textiles, or the body. Size: 7.8" L x 3.4" W (19.8 cm x 8.6 cm) Item # 200238

Estimate:$1,000

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