System

The sistrum was an ancient Egyptian instrument that was used in rituals to worship the goddesses Hathor, Isis and Bastet. This instrument had a shape similar to the Ankh symbol and consisted of a handle and a number of metal parts, which, when shaken, emitted a characteristic sound.

The goddesses Isis and Bastet are often depicted holding one of these instruments. The Egyptians used this symbol to depict dance and festival scenes. There is also a hieroglyph in the form of a sistra.