MUSIC
From Early Dynastic period, if not before, music was a part of oral and religious festivals. Singers and musicians were featured at festivals, as were snake-charmers, bear trainers and jesters. Singers were both male and female; they sang in the royal courts and in the temple where they sometimes functioned as priests. Their repertoire consisted of celebratory music, laments and literary works (see below). Singers were often accompanied by musical instruments.