Copper was known in Egypt as early as in the Prehistoric Period; it was the first metal in use. It was acquired by processing copper ore, usually malachite (a copper carbonate). Copper ore was mined as early as the Old Kingdom in mines in the eastern desert, Sinai and Nubia. In the New Kingdom copper was also imported from Cyprus and western Asia. The earliest copper objects are beads, drills and needles, bracelets and rings, swiftly followed by larger objects such as weapons and tools. According to the Palermo Stone, copper statues were made as early as the 2nd Dynasty. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has a large copper statue of King Pepi I from the Old Kingdom, as well as a smaller statue which perhaps represents his son. Copper was often mixed with tin to obtain bronze, which is harder and stronger than pure copper.