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Thighbone Trumpet
Thighbone Trumpet
c. 1800
Bone, leather, and copper alloy
Overall: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
The Charles G. King, Jr. Collection. Gift of Ralph King in memory of Charles G. King, Jr. 1918.389
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Did you know?
Tantric ritual trumpets are traditionally made from human femurs, but now they can be made from plastic, metal, or other materials.
Description
Blown during tantric Buddhist rituals, this ritual instrument is made of bone to remind practitioners of the impermanence of the corporeal body. The horn is sounded to clear away obstacles to enlightenment, conceived as enemies in battle.
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