Rattle

Item number 3595/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Description

Metal sistrum, or rattle. The sistrum has a cylindrical handle that connects to a u-shaped (but with sharp, not rounded, edges) base. The sides of the base are decorated with intricate carved out sections and incised designs. Two wires go through both sides of the base, with curled ends holding them in place. Three sets of circular metal plates with holes carved through the centre are on each wire (six plates in total). Two of the plates on the lower wire have Latin characters on them. The top of the sistrum is also u-shaped and also connects to the base. This area is decorated with incised dots, a cross-like shape on the very top in the centre, and two bird-like shapes on either side of it. A dark brown fibre thread is tied around the cross on the top of the sistrum.

History Of Use

The senasel (sistrum) has been a liturgical instrument used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church for centuries. It is still used today during important church festivals.

Narrative

Donated to the Kelowna Museum (now the Okanagan Heritage Museum) in 1990 by Mrs H. Patton, who collected the item in Ethiopia.

Item History

Made in Ethiopia
Owned by Okanagan Heritage Museum before September 14, 2022
Received from Okanagan Heritage Museum (Transferring institution) on September 14, 2022