Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which musical instruments were used in ancient Egypt?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Four children play musical instruments in a row, including a flute, trumpet, and tuba, focusing intently as they perform together indoors. — musical instrument Children playing musical instruments.

Ancient Egyptian musical culture featured a diverse array of instruments, many of which are known today through iconographic evidence and archaeological findings.12

Stringed Instruments

Stringed instruments were highly emphasized in ancient Egypt. The harp was used from early times, and the lyre family also held significant importance in the region.34

Wind Instruments

Egyptians utilized a variety of wind instruments, including those with single and double reeds, effectively anticipating the development of the clarinet.3
* Clarinets: Ancient Egyptians crafted clarinets from two canes, each with finger holes. A double clarinet is depicted on a relief dating to 2700 BCE.5
* Oboes: During the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 BCE), the oboe—referred to as mat—was used. These were typically played in pairs, with one pipe providing a drone and the other producing the melody.5

Percussion and Sacred Instruments

The sistrum was a particularly sacred instrument in pre-Hellenistic Egypt. Composed of a frame with transverse metal rods and mobile disks, it was used in the worship of goddesses such as Isis and Hathor.6