Owner: HWMC
Catalogue #: 2AS-AELV-06-16
Lip Vibrated
Nepal ‘Narsinga' (B)
Nepal
Nepalese
Metal, brass
19th century
Length: 41 inches
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Lip Vibrated
The narsinga (narsiga/ransingha/ramsinga: These are various modern and historical regional spellings) is a type of conical natural trumpet with an internal shallow bowl-shaped mouthpiece. The degree of curvature and length changes from region to region. This narsinga is joined together to form a slightly curved “S.” The curved length measures 41 inches. It is possibly from western Nepal. It is made from sheets of copper, with brass rings. It is played by buzzing the lips in the mouthpiece, much the same as playing a trumpet and it is played while standing or marching in a procession.
Resource: ‘Narsiga,’ Carol M. Babiracki, Mirelle Helffer/Gert-Matthias Wegner, Simonne Bailey, “The Grove Dictionary Musical Instrument,” 2nd ed., Vol 3. Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press.