Lucius Apuleius mentions the sistra of the great procession: "aereis et argenteis immo vero aureis etiam sistris argutum tinnitum constrepentes" (bronze, silver, and indeed also golden sistra producing a lively ringing cacophony; The Golden Ass, pt9).
Here's a little experimental #Archaeomusicology recording of what that could've sounded like, played on my multitimbral Roman-style sistrum. Only 5 tracks though. It must've truly been a “holy noise” back then.
#Music #Ethnomusicology #AncientRome