Beating Tambourine in Social and Religious Occasions Till the End of Greco-Roman Period

Document Type : Original Research Articles

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Abstract

Tambourine was a favorite musical instrument, known in ancient Egypt since the Old Kingdom and still used till now. This study deals with various terminologies of tambourine in the Egyptian language, and the two kinds of tambourine both circular and rectangular which played on sacred and festive occasion, and by professional musician and ordinary people. This paper traces using tambourine by men, women alike since the Old Kingdom. Highlighting also the meaning behind this act of joy, pleasure and appease, and the role of gods/goddesses with certain emphasize on Bes, as the most Egyptian god represented beating tambourine, and both  Hathor and Anubis. 
 

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