Photographs of Moroccan women musicians from the 19th century show their hands were hennaed. String players and  percussionists consistently used henna to beautify and protect their hands for performance.  14th through 19th century miniature paintings from Persia show  male and female harpists and oud players hennaed. Female Indian stringed instrument and percussionists from the 18th to 20th centuries hennaed.  Henna not only calls attention to the beauty of a musician's hands, it protects fingertips from blistering, and strengthens fingernails. 

Musicians performed for weddings, circumcisions, and other family parties, and were adorned with henna as were the guests.  A female singer who was plump, never divorced, and with smooth, lovely hands was especially desired for Egyptian wedding entertainment, as her "fortunate" life would bring good luck to the bride.