Trumpet

Trumpets in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Sheneb//

Dating from the Old Kingdom, trumpets in ancient Egypt were made of metal, and were the domain of men. Trumpets were mostly used for military signaling, such as to direct and manage troops and intimidate the enemy.

Sometimes used in the worship of Ptah, Ra, and Amun, trumpets were often decorated with images of gods and lotus flowers and inlaid with gold. A pair of trumpets were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, one made of silver and the other of bronze or copper, with mouthpieces of gold and silver.

In the spring of 1939, a recording of Tut's silver trumpet was made for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) with the insertion of a modern mouthpiece. The musician involved was a trumpeter in the British army, James Tappern. Unfortunately the blowing of the trumpet shattered it. Follow this link to hear the haunting sounds: (@http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13092827) During the recent riots in Egypt, the bronze trumpet was stolen, but later found.

Musical Instruments