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End-blown trumpet
Alternate name:Thighbone trumpet
Vernacular name:Rkang gling
Vernacular name:Rkang dung
Date: 1875 ca.
Place Made:Tibet, Asia
Serial No: none
Signednone
Markingsnone
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.
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.
Terms
Credit Line: Board of Trustees, 1976
Not on view
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.
Object number: 01482