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Start Over Object class Aerophones (wind instruments) Collection place China
Hearst Museum object titled Bone trumpet, accession number 9-10836, described as Trumpet,leg-bone(kang-dung);section of tibia,chased silver-colored metal mouthpiece & end brace,skin coverings,sewn at either end,turquoise & coral gems set into metal at one end;34 cm.L.;7.2 cm.w.
Hearst Museum object titled Gyaling oboe, accession number 9-22059a-c, described as This is a "gyaling" or Tibetan oboe. It has a split reed that fits at the very top. The reed is fragile and often changed during heavy use. There is no reed present here. The gyaling is played only in pairs. There is only one in this collection. "Gyaling" means "royal oboe". It is played to indicate that something very grand is taking place, or someone very important is arriving. When a king or a great Lama is entering an assembly, a pair of gyalings will be played. It is fingered like a wooden flute or a recorder. There is always a lead player (first gyaling) and an accompanying player (second gyaling). The second gyaling must watch the fingers of the first gyaling and play exactly what he plays. The fraction of a second delay makes for a rich echoing sound.This is a very plain gyaling, with little ornamentation. The gyalings of more prosperous temples are inset with turquoise and coral, and richly decorated in gilded brass flourishes.
Hearst Museum object titled Horn, accession number 9-22082, described as These (T-143 and T-144) are a matched set of Tibetan long horns (gDung Chen). They are played for ceremonial occasions at Tibetan monasteries, typically accompanied by large bronze cymbals (See: T-206 & T-207) and bass drums (not in collection). They are over ten feet long when extended.See: Photo T-143-a, T-143-b and T-143-c
Hearst Museum object titled Horn, accession number 9-22083, described as These (T-143 and T-144) are a matched set of Tibetan long horns (gDung Chen). They are played for ceremonial occasions at Tibetan monasteries, typically accompanied by large bronze cymbals (See: T-206 & T-207) and bass drums (not in collection). They are over ten feet long when extended.
Hearst Museum object titled Makara trumpet, accession number 9-22058, described as This is a short trumpet used for sacred Buddhist music in rituals. It is similar to the thigh bone trumpet (see: T-26, T-27). Though its sound is similar to the thigh bone trumpet, the makara trumpet is associated with worshipping gods more than summoning demons. The thigh bone trumpet is fashioned from a human thigh bone. It is used extensively in the "Chod" ritual. It functions, when blown in the ritual context by a qualified yogin, to summon demons in particular, and all living beings in general, to a great feast. The use of human bone is necessary as the yogin is ritually transforming his own flesh and blood into offerings suitable for the various classes of living beings. On the other hand, the makara trumpet (the head of the trumpet is in the form of a makara, a wise but formidable sea monster) is used in regular musical offerings to Gods and Lamas. This trumpet is made from copper, with decorative bronze bands and a bronze mouthpiece. It has a beautiful bronze makara head with turquoise eyes.
Hearst Museum object titled Pigeon flute, accession number 9-9677, described as pigeon flute; 3 black lacquered paper pipes w/brown stained tops; ht5 cm, w. 5.5 cm, bamboo tongue for tail ring
Hearst Museum object titled Pigeon flute, accession number 9-9651, described as pigeon flute; 2 bamboo pipes; dark brown stain; ht. 5 cm, w. 4.2 cm ivory tongue for tail ring; cut design on end of one pipe
Hearst Museum object titled Pigeon flute, accession number 9-9702, described as pigeon flute; 3 bamboo pipes with natural color and varnish; bamboo tongue for tail ring; According to some writers, flutes were attached to message-carrying pigeons to frighten away hawks and eventually came to be used by pigeon fanciers to lure away another fancier’s pigeon or flock in order to increase their wealth and status. According to Berthold Laufer, the flutes were used for the aesthetic value of their music. Makers in this collection include: HUNG, CHUNG, KUEI, MING, PAN, SHIH-TZU (?), SHENG, LI. For additional information consult accession envelope.
Hearst Museum object titled Pigeon flute, accession number 9-9735, described as Pigeon flute; gourd with 2 bamboo pipes and black ink; bamboo tongue for tail ring; 13 cm. According to some writers, flutes were attached to message-carrying pigeons to frighten away hawks and eventually came to be used by pigeon fanciers to lure away another fancier’s pigeon or flock in order to increase their wealth and status. According to Berthold Laufer, the flutes were used for the aesthetic value of their music. Makers in this collection include: HUNG, CHUNG, KUEI, MING, PAN, SHIH-TZU (?), SHENG, LI.
Hearst Museum object titled Pigeon flute, accession number 9-9625, described as pigeon flute;gourd w/7 slotted bamboo openings;tan stain; painted w/2 orange carps;bamboo tongue for tail ring; c. 15 cm.

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