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Start Over Object class Trumpets (aerophones) Materials Copper (metal)
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 Thighbone trumpet, accession number 9-22054, described as This is a ritual trumpet fashioned from a human thigh bone. It has a metal mouth piece made of silver andcopper. It is wrapped at the bottom with skin, perhaps human skin or leather. It is used extensively in the popular "Chod" ritual. It functions, when blown in the ritual context by a qualified yogin, to summon all living beings, including every manner of ghost and goblin, to a great feast. In the Chod ritual, the thighbone trumpet is blown at the beginning and occasionally during the procedure, and the yogin then puts it down and serves up the feast while chanting melodiously and play the large hand drum (Chod damaru) with his right hand and the ghanta bell with his left. 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. See: T-26, T-27, T-195
Hearst Museum object titled Trumpet, accession number 9-11919, described as Trumpet; curved copper tubing w/decoration of brass w/curvilinear designs; bell end is dragon-like head w/open mouth; modified into ashtray by addition of copper stand & a cigarette rest inside mouth; single elaborate horn (other missing) 46 cm. long, 7 cm. wide at mouth

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