Seshesh

1st–2nd century
Not on view
The use of sistrum (or seshesh) was associated with the Egyptian God of Hathor. The shape of the sistrum resembles the symbol ankh meaning life. The instrument was eventually co-opted and used for other Egyptian Gods and was also used in Greece and Rome.
Technical description: This fragment of a sistrum consists of a fragment of the hoop and two metal bars. A protrusion on the top of the hoop may have originally represented an animal (as on other similar instruments), but is so heavily corroded that it is impossible to discern.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Seshesh
  • Date: 1st–2nd century
  • Culture: Roman?
  • Medium: Leaded bronze.
  • Dimensions: Length: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
  • Classification: Idiophone-Shaken-jingle
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.1599
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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