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Upper Part of Sistrum

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

A sistrum is a musical instrument similar to a rattle. Sistra were played by priests and priestesses during funerals and other religious rituals. However, this example, made from faience, would not have been played in this world. Rather, it was placed in the tomb for use in the afterlife.
MEDIUM Faience
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES 664–525 B.C.E. or later
    DYNASTY Dynasty 26, or later
    PERIOD Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 8 1/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 1/4 in. (20.5 x 4.9 x 3.2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.321E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Green-glazed faience sistrum. The column-shaped handle terminates in a double Hathor head (human with cow's ears and wearing a plain lappet wig) supporting a shrine-shaped rattle. The rattle is pierced by three pairs of holes, but the vibrating elements are missing.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Upper Part of Sistrum, 664–525 B.C.E. or later. Faience, 8 1/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 1/4 in. (20.5 x 4.9 x 3.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.321E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.321E_PS2.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 37.321E_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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