sistrum
- Museum number
- 1756,0101.541
- Description
-
Bronze sistrum (rattle). At the base of the frame of the rattle, below the rattling bars, are small images of a phallus and a pine-cone, symbols of fertility and good fortune. The seated cat on top of the rattle infers association with the worship of Egyptian goddess Isis.
- Production date
- 1stC-2ndC
- Dimensions
-
Height: 22.86 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- Sir Hans Sloane’s ‘Miscellanea’ catalogue is a bound volume in Central Archives containing seven separate catalogues: ‘Miscellanies’, ‘Antiquities’, ‘Seals’, ‘Pictures’, ‘Mathematical Instruments’, ‘Agate Handles’ and ‘Agate Cups, Bottles, Spoons’. Each contains numbered entries that list and describe objects collected by Sloane between the 1680s and 1750s. Each catalogue begins with object number one.
Text from Sloane Miscellanea catalogue: Miscellanea Antiquities 541 "541. A Sistrum graved in Benedict Back Sistris traject ad Rhenum. 1699. 4d No. XX Montfaucon. Id."; id referring to Miscellanea Antiquities 535 "535. A Roman Soaldjer in armour. From Cardinal Gualtieris collection. Æn."
- Location
- On display (G1/fc20)
- Acquisition date
- 1753
- Department
- Greek and Roman
- Registration number
- 1756,0101.541
- Additional IDs
-
Miscellaneous number: SLAntiq.541
-
Sloane Miscellanea Catalogue number: 541 (Antiquities)