Flat stone palettes of various shapes were produced in ancient Egypt since the Predynastic Period. They were first used for grinding minerals into pigments for cosmetic use, but their shape and function evolved over time to include a commemorative and ceremonial use as well. Animal-shaped palettes made of greywacke became common during Naqada II (about 3500‒3300 BC). This falcon-shaped palette was found at Tarkhan, an ancient Egyptian necropolis located about 50 km south of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. The perched falcon possibly represents an early manifestation of god Horus who was closely linked to the ideology of kingship in ancient Egypt.