to the Sistren and Their Sistrums
cf. Atu II
the SISTRUM (sesheshet)
Appearance: The sistrum was a musical instrument
formed as a sticklike wooden or metal object, with a
frame and small metal disks that rattled when the
instrument was shaken by hand. The head of Hathor was
often depicted on the handle. The horns of the cow
were also commonly incorporated into the design. The
instrument produced a soft jangling sound resembling a
breeze blowing through papyrus reeds.
Meaning: The sistrum was called shesheset by the
ancient Egyptians and was a favored instrument in many
religious ceremonies and rites, especially those
associated with Hathor. The sistrum's basic shape
resembled the ankh, the symbol of life and carried
that hieroglyph's meaning. The Egyptian name of the
sistrum, sesheshet probably derives from the sounds
the instrument makes: a soft jangling sound resembling
a breeze blowing through papyrus reeds. It was this
sound that was supposed to placate the gods and
goddesses. It is believed that the sistrum might have
originated in the practice of shaking bundles of
papyrus flowers (papyrus flowers were a symbol of
Hathor).
Although the instrument eventually entered the cults
of other deities (such as Amon, Bastet and Isis), it
was with Hathor, her son Ihy and her attendants that
the instrument is associated with in most
representational contexts. The sistrum seems to have
carried erotic or fertility connotations as well. This
probably derives from the mythological character of
Hathor.
The distinctive shape of the instrument is found in
many contexts ranging from small mortuary objects to
the columns of temples, such as those at the Temple of
Hathor in Dendera.
from:
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/sistrum.htmPhilosophy is questions that may never be answered.
Religion is answers that may never be questioned.
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