Tib., rKang-ling: trumpet from human bone,
stag-gling: trumpet from tiger bone
Kangling. Nepal.
Private Collection
A ritual instrument often used in Tibetan ceremonies, especially those surrounding fierce and protective deities such as the Dharmapala.
As the above terms show, these so-called trumpets are variously made from the thigh bone of either a tiger or a human, then fitted with a mouth-piece. They make fierce, otherworldly and bone-penetrating sounds.
Such human bone trumpets are most often used in the charnel ground rituals of the Chöd-pa, i.e. practitioners of Chöd.
The illustration shows a trumpet that has been been tightly fitted with leather, and the metal encasing has been enhanced by a turquoise.
See also Charnel Ground Ornaments and Implements.