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Ṣanāṣel (sistrum)

20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Traces of ancient Egyptian musical traditions are retained in the chants of the Ethiopian Coptic Church. For example, the s.anās.el’s shape and proportions and its use with drums, unusual for Christian worship, harken back to musical practices in Egypt.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ṣanāṣel (sistrum)
  • Date: 20th century
  • Geography: Ethiopia
  • Culture: Ethiopia
  • Medium: Silver-plated brass
  • Dimensions: H: 25.4 cm (10 in.)
  • Classification: Idiophone-Shaken-rattle
  • Credit Line: Gift of Andrea Lakian, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.477
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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