In Khamsin,
The Devil Wind of The Nile, this ancient instrument is described as being used for worship as
well as entertainment.
Excerpt:
With expectant stillness at its
height, [the High Priest of Ptah] intoned the old sacred chants, his rich
baritone echoed by the pure high voices of his temple chantresses. The simple
notes of a lonely flute rang out, a harp adding its melodic strings.
Sistrum-players rattled their papyrus stems. The beat quickened. With nothing
more than belts around slim waists, the undulating chantresses mesmerized the
crowd; it often fell to these lithe servants of the gods to keep the
beer-drowsed audience alert.
