Egyptian Idiophones (Cymbals): "Sagat"

These finger cymbals are called "sagat" in Egyptian. Finger cymbals are round and slightly bell shaped. They are made of brass and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a different tone. Finger cymbals are played by both musicians and dancers. Finger cymbals are worn in pairs on each hand, one attached to the thumb at the first knuckle and one attached to the middle finger. The cymbals are attached by elastic drawn through holes or slots in the cymbals.

Sagat are the prop of choice when the music is Beledi. Beledi is a folk style of Egypt. Many kinds of Beledi dances involve props. These dances can be seen in the country and the city at parties, weddings, community gatherings such as saint's days and other festive occasions. Sounds are produced by striking the cymbals together, either straight together or one straight and one on the edge. There are three major tones: ringing, clicking, and clacking. Beledi is usually playing just one rhythm, longa. In this pattern, R denotes the stroke of the right hand and L the stroke of the left hand. Longa is following pattern: R- RLR-RLR-RLR- until the conclusion of the dance.

Dancers with finger cymbals can be found in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings (1320-1200 BC) and were also used in India, Turkey, and Greece.
Source:
http://www.raqsazar.com/fingercymbals.html http://www.maryellendonald.com/MEPercussionInstruments.htm