Sistrum

Object Details

Ethiopian Orthodox

Label Text

Sistra, rattles with strung disks, have been dated back to ancient Sumeria, Babylonia and Egypt. It appears that they spread from Egypt north to Greece and Rome and south into Ethiopia. Today sistra are used during the services and processions of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. They may be used by clerics and congregation. The handles may be wood, ivory or metal; the pierced sides may be copper alloy, white metal or silver. This example shows varying amount of wear on the disks, suggesting a lengthy period of use and replacement parts.

Description

Sistrum composed of a cylindrical wood handle that fits into a cylindrical socket that holds a squared U form of pierced copper alloy. Three disks are strung on iron rods across the U to form a rattle.

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of an anonymous donor in memory of Louis Gilden

Early 20th century

Object number

2011-2-1

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Wood, copper alloy, iron

Dimensions

H x W x D: 20.5 x 8 x 4.4 cm (8 1/16 x 3 1/8 x 1 3/4 in.)

Geography

Ethiopia

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Male use

geometric motif

male

Record ID

nmafa_2011-2-1

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7e9ff9991-0742-499f-b037-58902703c87b