This reproduction showcases the scene carved into the Narmer Palette, an ancient Egyptian ceremonial cosmetic palette dating to around 3100 BCE. It is significant for containing some of the earliest known hieroglyphic inscriptions and for being an early example of the use of the artistic conventions that would go on to define ancient Egyptian art for millennia.

Depicting the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, the palette is linked to King Narmer, a ruler of the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3173–2987 BC). Many scholars regard him as the first king of a unified Egypt and the founder of the First Dynasty.

On it, Narmer is depicted as a victorious ruler, smiting an enemy in a classic pose of dominance, reinforcing his role as a military leader. He is shown wearing both the White Crown of Upper Egypt and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, symbolising the merging of the two regions under his rule. The palette visually contrasts Narmer’s controlled, structured rule with the defeated and chaotic state of his enemies, reinforcing the king’s role as the upholder of order (maat) in the universe.

Egyptologists unearthed the Narmer Palette in the Main Deposit of the Temple of Horus at Nekhen (Hierakonpolis), alongside other significant objects such as the Narmer Macehead and Scorpion Macehead. These elaborately decorated artefacts were likely royal offerings, meant to honour both the gods and the king’s achievements.