Wall Painting: Woman Holding A Sistrum

Wall Painting: Woman Holding a Sistrum, circa 1250-1200 BCE. The woman in this fragmentary painting from a tomb wall has a wig of long, full hair, held in place by a flowered headband and topped with an ointment cone, a perfumed substance placed on wigs that gave off a fragrant aroma as it melted. A lotus blossom adorns the front of the headband. She holds a rattle called a sistrum, which women often played during temple ceremonies. What remains of the inscription suggests that she may have served with the temple staff of the god Amen. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)