Some regions of Tibet, particularly eastern Tibet, are famed for their metalwork. This ceremonial conch trumpet is a fine example for such craftsmanship and is particular attractive due to its partial gilding. The metalwork attached to the conch is of two different types. The mouthpiece, decorated with lotus petals and scrollwork, was likely cast while the rest is repoussé. The repoussé parts are attached to a flat, undecorated core sheet of metal. There are very few elements that could give a hint to attribute the object to a time or region, and of these the representation of the kirtimukha, or “face of glory,” at the center is certainly the most important. The two cylindrical parts of this work are made of sheets of repoussé with diagonal decorative bands of stylized clouds, every second of which is gilded. In the center of the large rectangular panel is a horned “face of glory” (kirtimukha) with two hands holding a scarf. It is surrounded by eight mantra syllables in a script called lantsa. Beside the deeper relief decoration, the entire background has been incised with intricate scrollwork. The conch itself is rather small, and its decoration, an eight-petaled blossom and pairs of incised parallel lines, is rather simple but adds a special touch to the object as a whole.Trumpets made from conch shells summon the community to various daily ceremonies and accompany a variety of rituals. The instrument is considered easy to learn, so younger lamas and novices often play them. The instrument produces a clear, trumpet-like sound. The musician blows the trumpet from an opening carved into the shell, holding it horizontally so that the flag points upwards. Like the drum, its sound is considered a symbol of proclaiming the Buddha’s teachings.

Artwork Details

Title
Ceremonial Conch Trumpet (Dung Kar)
Dimensions
9 3/4 × 14 5/8 × 2 5/8 in.
Medium
Conch shell and metal with gilding
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
ritual objects
Date
19th century (?)
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2011.4

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Ritual

Concepts

Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.

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Interdependence

Concepts

The idea that everything is interconnected and arises from both conscious and unconscious interactions and relationships. Thus happiness and suffering are interlinked, dependent, and relative. 

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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