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End-blown trumpet
Vernacular name:Rkang-gling
Date: 1850 ca.
Place Made:Tibet, Asia
Serial No: none
Signednone
Markingsnone
DescriptionCopper (body); brass (mouthpiece, ferrules, bell); turquoise (dragon's eyes); conical main tubing with fixed shallow-cup mouthpiece (no backbore), dragon's head bell; repoussé ferrules with flame pattern.
The Tibetan end-blown trumpet, or rkang-gling, was originally an instrument made of a human femur. Similar short metal trumpets, also referred to by this name, often terminate in a cast sea monster or dragon’s head, like the present instrument. The rkang-gling is normally used in pairs in rituals connected with the fierce deities, and for the announcement of ceremonial dancers; it produces a piercing sound. This particular rkang-gling is very similar to an instrument at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (1984.282), dating from the 19th century.
The Tibetan end-blown trumpet, or rkang-gling, was originally an instrument made of a human femur. Similar short metal trumpets, also referred to by this name, often terminate in a cast sea monster or dragon’s head, like the present instrument. The rkang-gling is normally used in pairs in rituals connected with the fierce deities, and for the announcement of ceremonial dancers; it produces a piercing sound. This particular rkang-gling is very similar to an instrument at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (1984.282), dating from the 19th century.
DimensionsLength (straigth line): ca. 385 mm
Tube length: 340 mm
External diameter (smallest, largest): 23 mm, 30 mm
Tube length: 340 mm
External diameter (smallest, largest): 23 mm, 30 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1998 from E. & J. Frankel, Ltd., New York, New York.
Terms
Credit Line: Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Not on view
Published ReferencesKlaus, Sabine Katharina. Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 1: Instruments of the Single Harmonic Series (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2012), pp. 14, 17, 274.
Object number: 07320