End-blown trumpet
Vernacular Name
- Rkang gling
- Rkang dung
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Thighbone trumpet
Date1875 ca.
Place MadeTibet, Asia
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionThe thighbone trumpet is traditionally made with either human or animal body parts. One end is removed to form the mouthpiece, leaving the opposite end intact. This is true whether the instrument is encased in metal or, like this example, left mostly bare. The bell end of this trumpet is covered in leather, painted red.
Made of either metal or bone, rkang gling are used in both Buddhist and Bön traditions and often paired with the skull drum.
DimensionsLength: 340 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1976 from H. M. Lissauer, Melbourne, Australia.
Published ReferencesCross, Thomas E., Instruments of Burma, India, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet, SMM Catalog Vol. II (1982), p. 26.Cross, Thomas E., Instruments of Burma, India, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet, M.M. Thesis, University of South Dakota, May 1983, p. 66, plate XXIV.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1976
Object number01482
On View
Not on view
1850 ca.
1850 ca.
1850 ca.
1900-1925 ca.
1800 ca.
1850 ca.