Śahanāī

Nepalese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

Unlike the straight tubes of related double-reed instruments found in other Asian countries, this melodic instrument has a curved conical bore. To achieve the curve, the wood body (agli) is cut in two longitudinal halves that are joined together with a glue of heated sugar-cane juice and secured with cane rings. Most Nepali musicians employ circular breathing to facilitate a continuous melodic line of music or to provide a constant drone.

#9355. Sahanai

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Śahanāī, Wood, brass, Nepalese

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