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Pair of Clappers

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
These clappers in the form of human hands were carved from a single hippopotamus tusk that was split in half. Such percussion instruments were used to keep time during dances or as part of a musical ensemble. These examples, however, were found in a miniature coffin at Amarna and seem to have been part of an offering.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Clappers
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Middle Egypt, Amarna (Akhetaten), King's House at Amarna, Pit south of the pond, Egypt Exploration Society excavations, 1931–2
  • Medium: Hippopotamus ivory
  • Dimensions: max. L. 21.5; max. h. as resting 2 ; max w. as resting 3.6 cm (8 7/16 x 13/16 x 1 7/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. John Hubbard and Egypt Exploration Society, 1932
  • Object Number: 32.5.2a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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