Pair of clappers, about 1550-1292 BCE
Ancient Egyptianexpand_more
Hippopotamus ivoryexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2012.64a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
These delicately carved forearms, found in a three-thousand-year-old ancient Egyptian tomb, are percussive instruments. Their curved shape and matching growth lines show that they were made from a single hippopotamus tusk, sawed down the middle into two equal pieces. Music was an important part of ceremonies and banquets in ancient Egypt, and the noise of clapping, banging, and rattling was thought to drive away hostile forces. While we will never know exactly how ancient Egyptian music sounded, there are hieroglyphs and wall paintings that show us how these clappers were played: struck together just as one would clap hands.
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Details
- Title
- Pair of clappers
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.64a,b
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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