Serpopard

The serpopard is a mythical animal from Ancient Egypt, featured extensively on decorated cosmetic palettes from the Pre-Dynastic Period. Examples include the Narmer Palette and the Small Palette of Hierakonopolis.

The serpopard, a cross between a serpent and leopard features the body of the latter and a long neck and head representing the former, although it is generally classified as a feline. The long neck is often used as a framing feature in art, either forming the cosmetic area in the Narmer Palette or surrounding it in the Small Palette.

• O’Connor, David 2002. Context, function and program: understanding ceremonial slate palettes. Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 39: 5–25.