Gold Sistrum with Head of Hathor

The sistrum or rattle was played to please the goddess Hathor. It is formed of three main parts.

The upper part is a longitudinal rectangle with three horizontal rods to make rattling sounds when it is shaken.

The second part is the head of Hathor, depicted as a woman with a heavy wig and cow's ears; the third part is a long cylindrical handle.

This beautiful accessory was an example of the sistrum held by the priestesses of Hathor in the temples.

The small sistrum was used as an amulet associating the wearer with the powerful Hathor in her aspect as the goddess of music and joy.