The Sistrum: an Ancient Egyptian Ceremonial instrument
According to the Excylodepia Britannica, a sistrum is a precurssion instrument, much like handbells or a xylophone. It is usually made of wood, metal or clay just like this one.
In ancient Egypts they were oval shaped like this one as well
It is normally considered ritualistic tool from the cult of Hathor because the Goddess's face was usually portrayed on the handle.
hathor is the wife of Horus and considered as the Goddess to all. Those who worhsipped her would do this by song, dance and art, this was because she was the considered the Goddess of the arts and dance.
Morrison, Emily. Ancient Egypt. Encyclodepdia Britannica. 2011
and
Tour Egypt, 2011. <touregypt.net>
Griffith, John JC. Oct. 8th 2006. Tomb of Queen Tyti, Valley of the Queens, Egypt. [image] Retrieved from www.findagrave.com
Ballas, J. N.d. Sistrum of Henuttawy, a chantress of Amun and Isis. [Image]. Retrieved from www. hathorsystrum.com