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Sistrum handle inscribed for King Amasis
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 26, reign of Amasis
570–526 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Green-glazed faience
Dimensions
height x width x diameter: 17.8 x 7.5 x 3.5 cm (7 x 2 15/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. George L. Walton
Accession Number36.337
OUT ON LOAN
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsReligious and cult objects
DescriptionThis cylindrical handle of pale green faience was originally part of a sistrum, a musical instrument that rattled when shaken. Sistra were sacred to the goddess Hathor, and this handle is surmounted on each side with the head of Hathor. The upper part is now missing and the handle itself has been mended and restored near the top. A vertical line of inscription on each face of handle bears the throne name of king Amasis.
ProvenanceProbably Rev. Randolph Humphrey Berens (b. 1844 - d. 1922) and Ellinor Frances Berens (b. 1842 - d. 1924), London [see note]. 1936, gift of Dr. George Lincoln Walton (b. 1854 - d. 1941), Boston, to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 7, 1936)
NOTE: According to an annotation in the MFA files, this was "formerly Behrens Collection, No. E 206." This very probably refers to Randolph and Ellinor Berens, both of whom collected Egyptian antiquities. Their collections were sold after their deaths.
NOTE: According to an annotation in the MFA files, this was "formerly Behrens Collection, No. E 206." This very probably refers to Randolph and Ellinor Berens, both of whom collected Egyptian antiquities. Their collections were sold after their deaths.