Although music existed in prehistoric Egypt, the evidence for
it becomes secure only in the historical (or "dynastic"
or "pharaonic") period--after 3100 BCE. Music formed
an important part of Egyptian life, and musicians occupied a variety
of positions in Egyptian society. Music found its way into many
contexts in Egypt: temples, palaces, workshops, farms, battlefields
and the tomb. Music was an integral part of religious worship
in ancient Egypt, so it is not surprising that there were gods
specifically associated with music, such as Hathor and Bes (both
were also associated with dance, fertility and childbirth).
All the major categories of musical instruments (percussion, wind, stringed) were represented in pharaonic Egypt. Percussion instruments included hand-held drums, rattles, castanets, bells, and the sistrum--a highly important rattle used in religious worship. Hand clapping too was used as a rhythmic accompaniment. Wind instruments included flutes (double…
All the major categories of musical instruments (percussion, wind, stringed) were represented in pharaonic Egypt. Percussion instruments included hand-held drums, rattles, castanets, bells, and the sistrum--a highly important rattle used in religious worship. Hand clapping too was used as a rhythmic accompaniment. Wind instruments included flutes (double…