Sistrum


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    Sistrum.----This was a species of timbrel, or rattle, made of brass or some other sonorous metal. It was oval, and its circumference perforated with several holes opposite each other, through which were inserted horizontally several small metallic rods. This "tinkling cymbal or sounding brass", shaken in cadence, emitted a harsh sound, and was carried by the priests of Isis when sacrificing to that Egyptian idol. It is an instrument which is seen figured on a great many monuments of antiquity. It is described by Apuleius (Metamorph. lib. xi.).

    The Sistrum, as one of the insignia of Isis is seen in the hands of that deity, on coins of the Caecilia family; and on coins of Hadrian, the two Faustinas, Commodus, Claudius II Gothicus, Julian II ("The Apostate"), and other emperors. The same instrument is generally seen in the right hand of Egypt and Alexandria personified. "Isis (says Vaillant) was believed to be the genius of Egypt, who, by the shaking of the sistrum, signified the increase of the Nile." It also appears in the hand of Anubis, another of the monster-divinities of Egypt, on coins of Julian II and of Helena.


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