Sistrum of Ahmose II

Part of a handle from a sistrum of pale green glazed faience. Inscribed with two columns of hieroglyphs bearing the cartouche of Ahmose II [Amasis]: “the good god Khnemibra son of Ra…”. Sistra were musical instruments associated with goddesses such as Hathor and Bastet. Faience sistra with royal names may have been votive offerings deposited within temples. Ex Joseph Sams Collection no. 236. A complete example is within the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, New York (no. 07.228.77). CONDITION NOTE (1998): incomplete, pitted, chipped, discoloured, worn.