Tibetan Trumpet Shell

This ‘conch’ trumpet has mounts of embossed silver sheet over copper sheet inset, with coral and turquoise cabochons.

The silver flange is decorated with a dragon with a long, sinewy body, and a snow lion, all amid typically Himalayan leafy scrolling. The outer rim of the flange is decorated with a Chinese key-fret border. The underside of the flange comprises a plain, beaten copper sheet.

The blowing end of the shell is similarly encased in silver and this is decorated with a kurtimukha mask, a shanka conch motif, and a longevity vase motif.

Such shells usually are referred to as conch trumpets but the shells used are not conch shells but chank shells (Turbinella pyrum). The shell has been converted into a trumpet or horn with the removal of the end of the point to provide a blowing hole.

Such shells are important ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. They are used as ceremonial trumpets in prayer rituals, to summon monks to prayer, to summon spirits as well, and to invoke rain and water (Reynolds, 1978, p. 80).  Conch shell trumpets have a long history and their use in Tibetan Buddhism has its origins in ancient India.

Conch trumpets such as this example were made either in Tibet, or in Nepal, either for the local or Tibetan market.

The conch trumpet here is in fine condition It has clear age. There is some minor denting to the silver overlay. But otherwise it is in a robust condition. The stones are all genuine and the silver used is high-grade.