clappers

Clappers

Clappers were a simple instrument, usually made out of wood or hippopotamus ivory, consisting of two long solid pieces that were clapped together, producing sound. They were often made to look like hands and decorated with the face of Hathor, the goddess of music, or Heket, goddess of childbirth. Other popular motifs were lotus flowers and the heads of gazelles, dogs, baboons, ducks, and cows. There is some evidence that music was made to drive evil spirits away from women during childbirth.

Musical Instruments