Tibet (Autonomous Region of China) 
Tibetan

Bone, silver, coral
ca. 19th century
Length: 14 inches
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Lip Vibrated

The rkang-gling is part of a group of sacred instruments that emerged from India about 1,500 years ago. This rkang-gling is made from a thighbone, possibly of a lama priest. The Vajrayana (a tantric tradition of Buddhism) arrived in Tibet around 800 C.E., and the rkang-gling trumpet appeared in the Himalayan regions some time over the next century. The rkang-gling (leg bone flute) is said to have a haunting sound and is typically used in rituals to summon spirits in order to help relieve worldly sufferings. These instruments are used in chöd rituals, a practice that combines Buddhist meditation and an ancient shamanic ritual native to Tibet. Primarily found in Tibetan Buddhism and Bön.  The goal of this practice is to rid oneself of ego and disconnect from the body and material objects.