Sistrum of the Goddess Hathor: Egypt at the Merrin Gallery


merrin-gallery-sistrum


SISTRUM OF THE GODDESS HATHOR
Saite Period, Dynasty XXVI, 664 – 525 BC
Green faience
Height: 7 5/8 inches (19.4 cm)
Width: 3 1/8 inches (7.9 cm)
Depth 1 3/16 inches (4.6 cm)
Private collection



The Merrin Gallery’s Egypt at the Merrin Gallery Exhibition featured a sistrum created to satiate the whims of the goddess Hathor. The musical instrument was believed to be pleasing to the Goddess’ ears, a pleasure which would in turn translate to harmony and order in the universe. The sistrum itself is molded in the goddess Hathor’s own image. Atop the goddess’ head, chiseled into the pale-green faience is a shrine guarded by the protective uraei cobras so often seen protecting royal and divine figures in artifacts and figures of Ancient Egypt. Also chiseled into the faience are the delicate renderings of fragile necklaces, and the striations of the goddess’ complex wig.

The sistrum of the Goddess Hathor featured at the Merrin Gallery’s Egypt at the Merrin Gallery exhibition remains in remarkable condition, and it is a testament to the artisans who created it that it stands today as an intricate illustration of past cultures and rituals.