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krotala or clappers
Roman
Roman Period
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift
Accession Number06.2374
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Idiophones
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 620.
DescriptionThe wooden handles were tied together with some sort of fabric or leather, and the carved section acted like springs, making the instruments into a sort of “tong,” like other clappers. It seems like they would be played with one hand, with the cymbals facing each other.
One castanet has muddy encrustation and a light colored handle. The other has whitish spots and a dark handle.
One castanet has muddy encrustation and a light colored handle. The other has whitish spots and a dark handle.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in London. From Egypt.); Anonymous Private Collection; Anonymous gift to MFA, May 10, 1906