Sistrum (Sheshesht)

A sistrum is an ancient Egyptian women’s ritual instrument, resembling a tambourine with a handle. The typical sistrum is shaped like an ankh, consists of a handle topped with a metal or wooden loop containing wires strung with metal plates that jingled when shaken. The sistrum was used primarily in the worship of the Goddesses Isis, Hathor, and Bast. According to the historian Plutarch, the noise of the sistrum was effective to keep Typhon, the god of chaos, at bay through its constant movement. The sistrum is still used today by practitioners of the Kemetic (Reconstructed Egyptian) faith.

The Goddess Isis with sistrum