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Sistrum
Egyptian
Late Period
664–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 21.1 x 7.0 x 5.1 cm (8.3 x 2.75 x 2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift from the Estate of Professor Henry Williamson Haynes
Accession Number12.680
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsMusical instruments
DescriptionBronze sistrum or sacred rattle used to invoke the gods during temple ritual. Only two of the bronze pins that would have held the rattling metal disks remain. The ornament at top is broken away. Handle decorated with the double crown of Egypt in relief on one side, and on the other the feathers of Maat, goddess of truth.
ProvenanceBy 1912: Henry Williamson Haynes collection; 1912: given to the MFA by the estate of Professor Henry Williamson Haynes, through Miss Sarah H. Blanchard