Ancient Egyptian Bronze Fine Nice Sistrum Bes hathor bastet. 19 cm H. Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
01
day
17
hours
44
minutes
52
seconds
Current bid
€ 500
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 7,200 - € 8,000
16 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4981 | €500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 5984 | €51 | |
 Bidder 1487 | €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 121899 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
A late period bronze sistrum honoring Hathor Bastet and Bes, 19 cm tall with stand, from a private collection, offering a refined link to ancient ritual music.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Nice Sistrum - musical ritual instrument
- very fine with goddess bastet, hathor and bes -
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Solid Bronze
15cm height, 19 cm height with stand.
- rare example of a children size -
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, USA, 1960s.
CONDITION: Good condition, see photos. Intact.
DESCRIPTION:
- The sistrum: a musical instrument of Ancient Egypt
The sistrum was one of the most emblematic musical instruments of Ancient Egypt, especially in religious contexts. Similar in shape to a metal hoop with cross bars and small moving parts that produced a rhythmic sound when shaken, the sistrum was played in ceremonies dedicated to gods such as Hathor, Bastet and other divinities associated with fertility, music and protection. Initially made of perishable materials such as wood or reed, over time they began to be made of bronze, which allowed them to be better preserved until the present day.
The bronze sistrums that have been found in temples and tombs are remarkable for their artistic workmanship and symbolic value. Some have inscriptions with invocations to gods and depict faces of Hathor on the top. Their sound was considered capable of warding off evil and attracting divine blessing. They were used mainly by priestesses and noblewomen in rituals, especially in celebrations related to rebirth, fertility and cosmic harmony.
Today, bronze sistrums preserved in museums bear witness not only to ancient Egyptian music, but also to its deep connection between art, spirituality and feminine power.
- Bastet: the cat goddess, music and the home
Bastet, one of the most beloved goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon, was depicted as a cat-headed woman or simply as a cat. In her earliest aspects, she was a lion goddess associated with war, but over time she evolved into a more peaceful figure, protector of the home, music, motherhood and joy. Her image in the form of a cat symbolised elegance, protection and domesticity. Cats were sacred animals and many families bred them as living incarnations of the goddess.
The sistrum was closely associated with the cult of Bastet and was used in processions and celebrations in her honour, where women chanted, danced and waved sistrums to invoke her protection. This instrument was considered a sacred tool that helped to maintain order, ward off evil spirits and connect with the divine through music.
Bronze images of Bastet, often accompanied by sistrum necklaces, have been found in domestic contexts, as offerings or protective amulets. Bastet thus united the feminine, the musical and the everyday in a single figure, making her the patroness of the well-being of the household and of harmony between the human and the divine.
- Hathor and Bes: divinities of the home, music and women
Hathor, goddess of love, music, dance and motherhood, and Bes, a dwarf god protector of the home and childhood, were essential figures in everyday life in Ancient Egypt, especially for women. Both were strongly linked to the use of the sistrum, a sacred instrument that accompanied rituals dedicated to them. Hathor was known as “the Lady of the Sistrum”, and was often depicted with this instrument in her hand, as its sound evoked joy, fertility and cosmic harmony.
Bes, although grotesque in appearance, was a kind and protective figure. His presence was believed to ward off evil spirits, especially during childbirth and in children's rooms. On some amulets and reliefs, she is depicted dancing or playing musical instruments, including the sistrum, to encourage and protect families.
Both Hathor and Bes were honoured in domestic and Templar contexts. The sistrum, in their hands, was transformed into a magical tool, capable of summoning divine joy and warding off chaos. Together they represented maternal protection, sacred sensuality and music as a link between the human and the divine, reinforcing the importance of women and the home in Egyptian spirituality.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateNice Sistrum - musical ritual instrument
- very fine with goddess bastet, hathor and bes -
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Solid Bronze
15cm height, 19 cm height with stand.
- rare example of a children size -
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, USA, 1960s.
CONDITION: Good condition, see photos. Intact.
DESCRIPTION:
- The sistrum: a musical instrument of Ancient Egypt
The sistrum was one of the most emblematic musical instruments of Ancient Egypt, especially in religious contexts. Similar in shape to a metal hoop with cross bars and small moving parts that produced a rhythmic sound when shaken, the sistrum was played in ceremonies dedicated to gods such as Hathor, Bastet and other divinities associated with fertility, music and protection. Initially made of perishable materials such as wood or reed, over time they began to be made of bronze, which allowed them to be better preserved until the present day.
The bronze sistrums that have been found in temples and tombs are remarkable for their artistic workmanship and symbolic value. Some have inscriptions with invocations to gods and depict faces of Hathor on the top. Their sound was considered capable of warding off evil and attracting divine blessing. They were used mainly by priestesses and noblewomen in rituals, especially in celebrations related to rebirth, fertility and cosmic harmony.
Today, bronze sistrums preserved in museums bear witness not only to ancient Egyptian music, but also to its deep connection between art, spirituality and feminine power.
- Bastet: the cat goddess, music and the home
Bastet, one of the most beloved goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon, was depicted as a cat-headed woman or simply as a cat. In her earliest aspects, she was a lion goddess associated with war, but over time she evolved into a more peaceful figure, protector of the home, music, motherhood and joy. Her image in the form of a cat symbolised elegance, protection and domesticity. Cats were sacred animals and many families bred them as living incarnations of the goddess.
The sistrum was closely associated with the cult of Bastet and was used in processions and celebrations in her honour, where women chanted, danced and waved sistrums to invoke her protection. This instrument was considered a sacred tool that helped to maintain order, ward off evil spirits and connect with the divine through music.
Bronze images of Bastet, often accompanied by sistrum necklaces, have been found in domestic contexts, as offerings or protective amulets. Bastet thus united the feminine, the musical and the everyday in a single figure, making her the patroness of the well-being of the household and of harmony between the human and the divine.
- Hathor and Bes: divinities of the home, music and women
Hathor, goddess of love, music, dance and motherhood, and Bes, a dwarf god protector of the home and childhood, were essential figures in everyday life in Ancient Egypt, especially for women. Both were strongly linked to the use of the sistrum, a sacred instrument that accompanied rituals dedicated to them. Hathor was known as “the Lady of the Sistrum”, and was often depicted with this instrument in her hand, as its sound evoked joy, fertility and cosmic harmony.
Bes, although grotesque in appearance, was a kind and protective figure. His presence was believed to ward off evil spirits, especially during childbirth and in children's rooms. On some amulets and reliefs, she is depicted dancing or playing musical instruments, including the sistrum, to encourage and protect families.
Both Hathor and Bes were honoured in domestic and Templar contexts. The sistrum, in their hands, was transformed into a magical tool, capable of summoning divine joy and warding off chaos. Together they represented maternal protection, sacred sensuality and music as a link between the human and the divine, reinforcing the importance of women and the home in Egyptian spirituality.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/ Timeframe
Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Name of object
Fine Nice Sistrum Bes hathor bastet. 19 cm H. Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Material
Bronze
Condition
Good
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
