Percussion instruments in Ancient Egypt

Percussion instruments have had many formological and material changes but not their essence. The percussion instruments used in Ancient Egypt still exist with several changes over time but unlike other instruments, they continue to be called in the same way. 

Címbalos : The cymbals are the current cymbals (they descend from the rattlesnakes used throughout the ancient era). They formed two bronze plates that made each other collide, just like the orchestral cymbals. They were used mostly in military parades and funeral ceremonies.

Drums : They had a wide range of drums of various sizes and their use depended on the ceremony: military, funeral or religious. It was also the instrument par excellence of popular music for entertainment and leisure purposes. The best-known drum that still lives in its original form is the Bendir, inherited from the frame drum of the Phoenician culture.

Sistros : The sistrum was an instrument used especially in religious ceremonies consisting of a horseshoe shape with saucers inserted in metal rods that cross the horseshoe and that when shaken sound. It was used for the worship of the goddess Bastet, protector of the home and of Hathor: the goddess of love, joy, dance and music.

About the Author:

My name is Gabriel Beguerie, I'm a Music Teacher and Piano Teacher in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Currently I work at the Luis Gianneo Provincial Conservatory and the Art No. 1 High School.
Passionate about History in general and the History of Music in particular.

Contact: gabriel.arturo.beguerie@gmail.com