Palette of Narmer is one of the most significant Egyptian archeological finds. The palette is given very high importance because it dates back to 31st century BC and it contains certain hieroglyphic inscriptions that are considered to be some of the earliest. The fascinating inscriptions on the palette are said to depict the unification of Egypt under the rule of king Narmer. Following is an analysis of the both sides of the palette in light of the scholarly literature.
How does the Palette of Narmer describe the unification of Egypt?
After a detailed analysis of the inscriptions on both sides of the palette, it has been determined that the palette represents the unification of Egypt. The top of the palette features similar inscriptions on both sides. The top consists of two bovine heads with the name of a king inscribed in the middle in what is said to be 'serekh'. Whether the heads are cows' heads or bulls' heads has not been determined; some interpreters suggest that these are cows' heads which represent the cult of a cow-goddess, while others suggest that these are bulls' heads which represent the vigorous nature of the king.
The front top of the palette features the king holding a mace in his left hand, observing a number of beheaded bodies. The king's figure is the most prominent in this section and it represents his dominating power (Davis, 171). The king is shown moving towards the beheaded bodies with a procession of people. The front center of the palette features two men attempting to tie the stretched necks of two animals together. This is the part of the palette which has been interpreted as the symbolization of the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. This interpretation cannot be backed up with corroborative evidence as this symbol is unique and there are no known parallels of this image. Thus, the symbol is still open to interpretation however most experts have determined that this symbol is a metaphor for the unification of Egypt (Davis, 171). The front bottom of the palette features a bull breaking the walls of a city and trampling the individual protecting the wall. The bull symbolizes the vigor of the king who enjoys victory over the fallen city.
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