Clapper
Clappers are among the earliest percussion instruments in ancient Egypt. This clapper represents a forearm and a hand while following the curved shape of the ivory tusk it was carved from. A bracelet is indicated by incised lines. Flanking the bracelet are roundel ornaments that are typical of Middle Kingdom clappers, but their significance is unclear. The striking side of the clapper is flat and undecorated, as is usually the case.
Artwork Details
- Title: Clapper
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12, mid - Dynasty 13
- Date: ca. 1900–1640 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, cemetery south of pyramid below House A1:1, Pit 885, MMA excavations, 1920–21
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: L. 21.5 × W. 7.4 × Th. 0.9 cm (8 7/16 × 2 15/16 × 3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
- Object Number: 22.1.152
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
ca. 1850–1750 B.C.
ca. 1900–1800 B.C.
ca. 1900–1640 B.C.
ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.