We recently added these rattles to our musical instruments selection, and we're finding out more about the unique history these rattles have in African culture! There are many stories about the sistrum, one famous one being that they were used in religious ceremonies and rituals, and were particularly associated with the worship of Egyptian goddess Isis. The sistrum was considered a sacred instrument in ancient Egypt and throughout other parts of Africa. Its sound was thought to echo that of a stem of papyrus being shaken. This soothing, rattling sound gives a mellow tribal tone to any musical celebration. Now the sistrum is used throughout Africa in various religious ceremonies and celebrations. You can get your own sistrum here at Africa Imports.
The Kenyan Sistrum Rattle - A Piece of African History
05/20/2013