Images from The Beede Gallery

NMM 2352.  Buffalo horn (ngeku), Nepal, 20th century. Water buffalo horn with applied cuffs and fittings of copper and silver. Coral and turquoise stones embellish the metalwork. Prominent sea dragon (makara) head with ears, nose, mouth, and horns. Decorative elements include the auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Traditionally played by members of the Nepali musician caste to entertain aristocratic Buddhists living in Nepal. Survives today in the music of street performers and in local festivals. Ethel Gunderson Fund, 1977.

A chased-silver makara (sea dragon) head is prominently featured above the bell. Two wire barbels protrude from it's nose; it's eyes are formed by two turquoise stones set in raised wall mounts; and, one red coral stone is centered on it's forehead. A silver badge (below), also depicting a makara, is attached to the bell with two copper pins. Makara images are also prominently featured on the instrument's chased copper bell.

Conch Shell	Golden Fish	Parasol	Wheel

Conch Shell	Golden Fish
Parasol	Wheel

Golden Fish and Makara (Sea Dragon)	Makara (Sea Dragon) and Conch Shell
Makara (Sea Dragons)	Makara (Sea Dragon)

A shallow-cup, silver mouthpiece is attached to conical, chased-silver mouthpiece ferrule on which auspicious symbols are set against a meandering flame background.

Literature:  Thomas E. Cross, Instruments of Burma, India, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet, The Shrine to Music Museum Catalog of the Collections, Vol. II, André P. Larson, editor (Vermillion: The Shrine to Music Museum, 1982), p. 18.

Thomas E. Cross, Instruments of Burma, India, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet, M.M. Thesis, University of South Dakota, May 1983, p. 80, plate XXVIII.

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