Hypostyle Hall

Temple of Hathor, Dendera (plan)

The decorated ceiling is supported by columns whose capitals are carved in the shape of a naos sistrum - a bronze rattle whose body is shaped like Hathor's head, and whose upper part is shaped like a shrine (naos).

Hathor liked music, and the sistrum was her favorite instrument. When played by her son Ihy, the instrument was said to produce a cosmic harmony – the music of the spheres.