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Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Ritual rattle (sistrum)

Description

Maker

Unknown Maker, Egyptian

Culture

Egyptian

Title

Ritual rattle (sistrum)

Period

Late Period, Dynasty 26

Year

664-525 BCE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

clay products, Egyptian faience

Dimensions

Height: 19 cm (7 1/2 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund

Object Number

1995.050

Type

Projects & Publications

Publications

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Ancient Egyptian Galleries
Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

A sistrum was a rattle used in the cult of goddesses such as Hathor, whose image appears on this object's handle. Sistra typically were created in bronze or wood, so the use of faience in this example may indicate that it served a votive, rather than a practical, purpose. In functional sistra, metal disks strung on rods produced a rustling sound when shaken. Priestesses or sometimes the king shook sistra during religious festivals to appease the violent aspects of Hathor's nature.

Details were added by hand after this form was carved or made in a two-part mold. Microscopic analysis reveals marks from the artist's tools and traces of white ground material, suggesting that some areas may have originally received gilding or colored decoration.

Gifts of the Nile
Ancient Egyptian Faience
Aug 26, 1998 – Jan 03, 1999

Related Publications

Related Publications

  • Journal

Manual / Issue 18: Nature

 RISD Museum’s Manual 18 Celebrates Nature

In our [Chamoru] culture, inafa’maolek is our most important value. It roughly translates as “to make good for each other.” Inafa’maolek teaches us that all things are connected and related, including people, environments, and all species. Because all things are interwoven, we must always act with guinaiya and respetu, love and respect.  

–Craig Santos Perez, introduction

Manual 18 explores human interactions with the natural world, from frank awe and deep appreciation of the immediate moment to eternal questions and ancient unfinished business. This issue of Manual complements the exhibition Being and Believing in the Natural World, co-curated by Gina Borromeo, Wai Yee Chiong, and Sháńdíín Brown, on view at the RISD Museum now through May 7, 2023.

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Egyptian
Ritual rattle (sistrum), 664-525 BCE
Glassy faience
Height: 19 cm (7 1/2 inches)
Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund 1995.050

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