Tambuyuk (Conch Shell Trumpet)

Philippines (Negrito?)

Not on view

In Greek mythology the conch shell trumpet was an attribute of Triton, the son of Neptune. Shell trumpets are also among the ancient symbols of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, the religions of sub-Saharan Africa and of Mayan civilization. To Polynesians of Mangara (Cook Islands) the penetrating blast of the conch shell represents the voice of Rongo, the god who gave fire to mankind. In Tonga, conch shells, (kele'a) may play in ensembles of 2 to 5 parts. Used also for signaling, the shells have a mouth hole either at the tip where it may be fitted with a mouthpiece or, as with this example, in the side.

Tambuyuk (Conch Shell Trumpet), Shell (triton tritonis), Philippines (Negrito?)

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

view 2 of 2