Clapper

Clapper in the form of a hand and arm of the type used in Hathor rituals. Pierced at the elbow, detailed armlet and marks on fingers. Broken at the thumb. Clappers or hand wands such as this one were used by dancers who clapped them together. They also had protective significance as the noise produced by clacking the wands together was believed to keep evil spirits away during critical moments such as childbirth or puberty rituals. Their protective power also accompanied the ritual renewal of the king’s vigour during the Heb Sed Festival and assisted in the rebirth of a deceased person into the afterlife.