The origins of the clapper date back to the ancient Egyptian Empire where it was served as a musical instrument. Initially made of wood, it was later constructed in ivory and even metal. It took the form of hands or forearms. This type of clapper was mainly used at religious events and festivals. It belonged to the category of instruments known as castanets. It was later transformed into a useful tool for school life.
Three clapper models illustrate a certain personalization of this instrument. There was the simple model used by many religious. The second model, carved in 1904, is likely a clapper received as a gift and inscribed with the year of the sister’s profession.
In some cases, certain religious added personal elements such as their name, or glued pictures inside, like this image of Mother Marie-Rose. Since the clapper was sometimes shared with others, often only the name of the school appeared.
