Rattle loop
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Fig. 1 - Metal sistrum of the chantress Tapenu - Metropolitan Museum of Art - 68.44
This is the loop of the sistrum. A sistrum is a rattle that produces a metallic sound. This sound is created by metal rods with disks usually held in the loop of the sistrum, which are placed horizontally in the frame (Fig. 1).
Sound is created primarily by the vibration of the sistrum itself, without the use of airflow, strings or membranes. Instruments like these (called ‘idiophones’) came from man’s desire to express natural feelings for dance and rhythm, and were inspired by more primitive actions like stamping and clapping.