Tibetan Kangling Thigh Bone Ritual Trumpet

One end is wrapped in dark hide, stitched snug, and the other end is plain bone.

This kangling, or thigh bone ritual trumpet, comes from Tibet and dates to the early 20th century. It is bone and hide. In Tibetan Buddhism, the kangling is a ritual trumpet traditionally used in certain tantric practices, and the use of human bone is generally understood as a reminder of impermanence. Here the long shaft is a warm honey color, with fine natural cracks along its length. The rounded joint end is covered in dark brown hide, sewn in place with small stitches. It rests on a black metal stand and is 11.5 inches wide.

A sober instrument, carefully made.