Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine example of a kangling, literally translated as a "leg flute," a trumpet carved from a human femur. Nickel-silver sheet surrounds the ends of the bone, which has been shaped and cut to form a long tube with the patellar groove still present. The end of the tube forms the mouthpiece while the patellar groove is covered in tanned hide and has been hollowed out to form a double bell. Size: 12" L x 2.6" W (30.5 cm x 6.6 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired in India in the 1950s to 1970s

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#173987

  • Condition: Desiccation, abrasions, and fraying to hide, with abrasions and softening to nickel-silver components, and expected ossification from human bone. Nice patina. Has not been tested for playability.

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August 18, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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