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End-blown trumpet
End-blown trumpet
End-blown trumpet

End-blown trumpet

Vernacular Name
  • Narsiṅga
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
  • Sringa
  • Srnga
Date1875 ca.
Place MadeBarbote Village, Ilam District, Nepal, Asia
Serial No.None
SignedNone
MarkingsNone
DescriptionHammered copper-alloy body in four (4) sections with integral mouthpiece. As the sections are held together by friction, the narsinga's curved configuration can be changed. Hollow ferrules at the section joints have loose material inside, rattling and vibrating when played. Painted curvilinear designs are throughout, but faint and quite darkened by patina.

Curved trumpets like this are traditionally played by the Khas people, specifically members of the Damai occupational caste of Nepal and India, during ceremonial processions - weddings, in particular.
DimensionsOverall Length: 1220 mm (48 in)
Bell Diameter: 254 mm (10 in)
ProvenancePreviously owned by an unidentified musician of the Damai caste from Barbote village, near Ilam District in the eastern hills of Nepal. About 1965, it was left as collateral on a loan from Man Bahadur and Tek Maya, the donor's parents. Failure to repay the loan resulted in forfeiture of the instrument. By inheritance to DK Gurung, who donated it to the NMM.
Credit LineGift of D. K. Gurung, 2024
Object number15782
On View
Not on view
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