Pair of Clappers

 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.

• 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