End-blown trumpet
Date1880-1899 ca.
Place MadeSouthern India, Asia
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionCast brass in lost-wax technique, made in four sections; bell decorated with applied cast Hindu monkey god (Hanuman); alternately engraved and applied symbols on the bell above the monkey: eight-petal-flower in circle with surrounding flames and two bell-flowers (engraved), circle or full moon (applied), trident (engraved), crescent (applied), conch with surrounding flames and two bell-flowers (engraved); integral deep cup-shaped mouthpiece is part of the first cast tube segment.
The kombu (Tamil name) or śrnga (Sanskrit name) is a semicircular trumpet of south India, which features in various temple music ensembles (eg. kombu pāttu and cenda melam), in military music, and for signaling in village life. It is often played in pairs, tuned a fourth apart. The present instrument is rich in symbolism. As a weapon, the trident symbolizes the destruction of the three poisons of ignorance, desire, and aggression. The monkey deity Hanuman is renowned for his courage, power, and faithful selfless service.
DimensionsHeight: ca. 685 mm
Tube length: 1205 mm
External diameter sections: 15-35 mm/ 35-40 mm/ 39-43 mm/ 50-96 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1997 from S. R. Prasad, Bangalore, India.
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. 53–54, 282.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number07206
On View
Not on view
1960 ca.
