Tibet (Autonomous Region of China) 
Tibetan

Cloisonne, brass, glass beads
ca. 19th century
Length: 16.5 inches
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Lip Vibrated

The rkang-gling is a Tibetan trumpet that’s name is a combination of rkang (leg bone, femur) and gling (flute).  The rkang-gling was designated as a trumpet, whereas to play it, one must buzz their lips into the mouthpiece hole at the top end.  This early 19^th century cloisonne rkang-gling has an elaborate mythical animal mask on the front, and colorful enamel work featuring auspicious symbols. The rkang-gling is played in chöd rituals performed outdoors with the chöd damaru and bell, as well as funerals performed by a chöpa.