Conch Trumpet - Nepal - Tibetan Buddhism/Vajrayana

Tibetan style conch trumpet made from a large conch shell wrapped in bright metal sheet. The metal surface is worked into intricate images of animals and floral patterns with a sitting Buddha figure surrounded by a glowing aura at the center of the decoration.

Furthermore the trumpet is decorated with dark red beads (coral or glass) and painted, turquoise stones.

The trumpet has a good deal of patina, some of which could probably be cleaned for a more shiny appearance. It also works as a horn and has a deep and powerful sound when blown at the tip.

It was probably made sometime during the 20th century. I assume the place of origin to be Tibet as this type of object is part of Tibetan religious culture. It could, however, have been made in other parts of the Himalayan region like Nepal or Northern India.

The conch trumpet is a long standing symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism and has been adopted by Tibetan Buddhism as a symbol of the teachings of the Buddha, spreading like the sound of the trumpet. In this branch of Buddhism it is used to call the monks to prayer and as part of various rituals.

The trumpet is 23 cm long, 11 cm wide and 10 cm high and weighs around 1100 g.

It will be packed safely and sent with either GLS or UPS depending on buyer location.