Egyptian

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.