The period in Egyptian history before the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the establishment of the First Dynasty. The main archaeological cultures of this period are called Badarian (ca. 4400–ca. 4000 BCE) and Naqada (ca. 4000–ca. 3000 BCE). This era witnessed the earliest beginnings of Egyptian culture, including the emergence of agriculture, settled communities, trade, art, metalworking, and funerary practices. Web resources here and here.

Decorated Ware Jar Depicting Ungulates, Birds and Boats with Human Figures. Egypt. Predynastic, Late Naqada II. Ca. 3500–3300 BCE. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.