Sistrum (frame rattle), ancient musical instrument, terracotta, 12.2 cm high, 4.8 cm wide, 0.1 kg weight
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Sistrum
A reconstruction of the ancient Greek musical instrument, the sistrum (frame rattle). Museum of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments, Katakolon.
The sistrum (frame rattle) was a musical percussion instrument invented by the ancient Egyptians,
but soon found its way into the ancient Greek music scene and was often depicted in the visual arts, such as sculpture and pottery. Made of clay, wood or metal, the instrument served as rhythmic accompaniment for other instruments, especially during religious rites and festivals. Played by shaking the instrument like a rattle, movable objects on the horizontal bars or the free movement of the bars themselves against the frame produced sounds.
In Greek culture, the sistrum had the shape of an elongated hoop and was used in processions, sacrifices, festivals, rituals and funerals. The earliest examples date from Minoan Crete (c. 2000-1900 BC) and are made of clay with two fixed horizontal wooden rods and three movable clay discs to produce sound when they strike the sides of the hoop-shaped frame. However, it is possible that clay versions were not intended to be played (their sound production is minimal), but rather that the instrument was used in funeral ceremonies. In fact, many sistra and similar musical instruments have been found in graves, suggesting a belief that music was part of the afterlife. Clay versions of sistra may also have been used as children's toys.
In Greek art, dancers in processions are occasionally depicted holding a sistrum. A famous example is the Harvester Vase from Hagia Triada in Minoan Crete (1500-1450 BC), which depicts a sistrum player in a harvest festival procession.
Terracotta replica, reduction, with black artificial marble base
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This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.