Tibetan Kangling Ritual Trumpet | Human Tibia with Silver Fittings & Turquoise Inlay | 19th–Early 20th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Tibet
Material: Human tibia with silver fittings and turquoise inlay
Period: Likely 19th–early 20th Century
Description
A rare and sacred Tibetan Kangling (“leg flute”), this ritual trumpet is crafted from a hollowed human tibia and adorned with finely chased silver fittings set with turquoise inlay. Used in Tibetan Buddhist chöd ceremonies and funerary rites, the kangling embodies the impermanence of life and the transcendence of ego.
The narrow end features a delicately engraved silver mouthpiece inset with turquoise, while the flared end bears two sound holes that produce the piercing, wailing tone characteristic of chöd ritual performance. The silver fittings are elaborately chased with dragon and foliate motifs, invoking spiritual protection and divine power. Small suspension loops at the sides and end suggest the instrument was once worn on a ritual sash or displayed upon an altar.
Features
- Constructed from a hollowed human tibia
- Finely engraved silver fittings with turquoise inlay
- Symbolic dragon and foliate scroll motifs for protection
- Two sound holes at the flared end, producing the distinctive ritual tone
- Suspension loops for ceremonial use or altar display
- Measures approximately 13.5 inches in length
Cultural Significance
In Tibetan Buddhism, the kangling holds profound ritual meaning. Traditionally made from the leg bone of a revered teacher or donor, it serves as a meditation on impermanence and the renunciation of attachment. Played exclusively with the left hand, often accompanied by damaru drums and chanting, the kangling is used to summon wisdom protectors and wrathful deities during advanced tantric rites. Such instruments are reserved for accomplished practitioners and remain among the most esoteric objects of Himalayan ritual practice.
Condition
Excellent ritual/collector condition with aged patina to the bone and silver. Minor wear and surface accretions consistent with ceremonial use and age. Turquoise inlay intact, silver fittings stable.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 13.5 in
Age
19th–early 20th Century
Learn More
View an Almost Identical Tibetan Kangling at The British Museum Collection
Read More About the Meaning and Spirituality Behind These Pieces, and Their Music: The Bone Trumpets of the Sky Priests: Ritual Music of Chöd Practitioners
Explore Our Other Ancient Tibetan Artifacts: Ancient Tibetan Kapala Skull Cap and Pair of Rare Large Tibetan Kapala Citipati Beads
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Tibet
Material: Human tibia with silver fittings and turquoise inlay
Period: Likely 19th–early 20th Century
Description
A rare and sacred Tibetan Kangling (“leg flute”), this ritual trumpet is crafted from a hollowed human tibia and adorned with finely chased silver fittings set with turquoise inlay. Used in Tibetan Buddhist chöd ceremonies and funerary rites, the kangling embodies the impermanence of life and the transcendence of ego.
The narrow end features a delicately engraved silver mouthpiece inset with turquoise, while the flared end bears two sound holes that produce the piercing, wailing tone characteristic of chöd ritual performance. The silver fittings are elaborately chased with dragon and foliate motifs, invoking spiritual protection and divine power. Small suspension loops at the sides and end suggest the instrument was once worn on a ritual sash or displayed upon an altar.
Features
- Constructed from a hollowed human tibia
- Finely engraved silver fittings with turquoise inlay
- Symbolic dragon and foliate scroll motifs for protection
- Two sound holes at the flared end, producing the distinctive ritual tone
- Suspension loops for ceremonial use or altar display
- Measures approximately 13.5 inches in length
Cultural Significance
In Tibetan Buddhism, the kangling holds profound ritual meaning. Traditionally made from the leg bone of a revered teacher or donor, it serves as a meditation on impermanence and the renunciation of attachment. Played exclusively with the left hand, often accompanied by damaru drums and chanting, the kangling is used to summon wisdom protectors and wrathful deities during advanced tantric rites. Such instruments are reserved for accomplished practitioners and remain among the most esoteric objects of Himalayan ritual practice.
Condition
Excellent ritual/collector condition with aged patina to the bone and silver. Minor wear and surface accretions consistent with ceremonial use and age. Turquoise inlay intact, silver fittings stable.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 13.5 in
Age
19th–early 20th Century
Learn More
View an Almost Identical Tibetan Kangling at The British Museum Collection
Read More About the Meaning and Spirituality Behind These Pieces, and Their Music: The Bone Trumpets of the Sky Priests: Ritual Music of Chöd Practitioners
Explore Our Other Ancient Tibetan Artifacts: Ancient Tibetan Kapala Skull Cap and Pair of Rare Large Tibetan Kapala Citipati Beads
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