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Narsinga

19th century
Not on view
NARSINGA
A shallow bowl-shaped mouthpiece is consistent among the conical natural trumpets called narsinga in Nepal. However, the degree of curvature and length changes from region to region. In West Nepal, they are shorter and have less of a curve, are used with the karnal, and occasionally with massed damaha. In eastern Nepal, the Gorkha musicans have a very sophisticated playing technique that employs circular breathing and a type of flutter tonguing.
Collected in Kalikot, Karnali District, Nepal. 19th cent.
Gift of Krishna Man Manandhar, 2005. 2005.184a, b

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Narsinga
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Karnali, Nepal
  • Culture: Nepalese
  • Medium: Copper
  • Dimensions: Height: 41 in. (104.1 cm)
  • Classification: Aerophone-Lip Vibrated-trumpet / trombone
  • Credit Line: Gift of Krishna Man Manandhar, 2005
  • Object Number: 2005.184a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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