Tibet
Tibetan Buddhist Monks

Brass, leather
Pre 19th century
Diameter: 11.625 in
Idiophones – Idiophones Struck – Cymbals

These ritual cymbals, rol mo, from Tibet are played by Buddhist monks. They are constructed of hand hammered brass and have a large central boss, known as sbug-chol or sbub-chal.  The terms sbug or sbub mean ‘hollow’ and the terms chol or chaly mean ‘to be thrown together confusedly.’   A thin leather strap is strung through the hole in the center of the boss in each cymbal and serve as handles. The rol mo are used in Tibetan music alone or with the rnga (a ritual frame drum) to provide the structural outline and rhythmic articulation in ritual chant; to mark rhythmic patterns in instrumental music; and to accompany the ritual cham dances.

Resource: ‘Rol-mo,’ Mireille Helffer, “The Gove Dictionary of Musical Instruments,” 2^nd Ed. Vol 4., Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press.