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Sacred Music
Sistrum
ጸናጽል
The tsenatsil is a rattle of metal discs threaded on rods within a frame. Cantors shake it in rhythm as they sing and sway in the outer ring of the church. Its shimmering sound has accompanied Christian worship in Ethiopia since the days of Saint Yared.
Why it matters
The sistrum is one of the oldest instruments in the world, already known in ancient Egypt.
Object details
- Date
- 20th century
- Material
- Brass and wood
- Dimensions
- Height c. 30 cm
- Origin
- Used by the debtera
- Gallery
- Sacred Music
Look closely
- Metal jingles on crossbars
- Turned wooden handle
- Played with the drum and prayer staff
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.