Studies of Egyptian obsidian from the tombs at Abydos have indicated that the northern part of the East African Rift Valley in Ethiopia was the most likely source of the material.  Obsidian was imported into Egypt beginning in Nagada I.  The earliest artifacts are blades, beads, pendants and vessels. 

This precious material was sometimes used for containers for cosmetics.  The original use of this small vessel is unknown, but the contents may well have been perfume or unguent.