Cymbal

:This article is about the percussion instruments made of metal disks. For the string instrument played with beaters see cymbalum.

Origins

The origins of cymbals can be traced back to prehistoric times. The ancient Egyptian cymbals closely resembled our own. The British Museum possesses two pairs, 13cm in diameter, one of which was found in the coffin of the mummy of Ankhhape, a sacred musician. Those used by the Assyrians were both plate- and cup-shaped. The Greek cymbals were cup or bell-shaped, and may be seen in the hands of innumerable fauns and satyrs in sculptures and on painted vases. The word cymbal is derived from the Latin cymbalum which itself derives from the Greek word kumbalom, meaning a small bowl.

Related Topics:
Egypt - British Museum - Assyria - Greek - Faun - Satyr

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