Śahanāī

19th century

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.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Śahanāī
Date: 19th century
Geography: Salyan District, Rapti Zone, Nepal
Culture: Nepalese
Medium: Wood, brass
Dimensions: 14 1/8 × 3 5/8 × 3 5/8 in. (35.9 × 9.2 × 9.2 cm)
Classification: Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-double reed
Credit Line: Gift of Krishna Man Manandhar, 1986
Object Number: 1986.352.1
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

Audio

9355. Sahanai

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