INSTRUMENTS

CHIMES

Singing bowls have magical aliveness and they interact in distinct ways with different people and environments when played. The vibration is said to create healing energy. Individually handcrafted, each bowl has a unique

voice. The sound of Tibetan singing bowl is like a hum - natural, harmonius and deep. Comprised of 7 metals representing different planetary influences. Gold (sun), Silver (moon), Mercury (mercury), Copper (venus), Iron (mars), Tin (jupiter), and Lean (saturn). Together, these metals produce a profound sound which can penetrate deep within the body and mind creating a subtle healing, also useful as an aid to meditation.  The singing bowl is traditionally used as a special offering bowl in a Buddhist altar containing barley, flower or rice, water, and butter with a wick placed in the center to create a butter lamp. 

TINGSHA (Cymbala)

Awaken your spirit and summon peacefulness to your mind and body with the vibration of tingsha chimes. Used for centuries by Tibetan Buddhists to prepare for meditation.  When the two pieces strike each other they produce a clear, pure, cleansing sound which can be used to focus the mind before and after meditation for clearing spaces of negative energies and for the healing and balancing of auric fields. Tingshas are also simply a nice musical instrument. Tingshas come in matched pairs attached with a leather cord.  Hold each cymbal by the cord close to the hole where it enters the tingsha, strike one cymbal against the other on their edges at right angles.  Let the bell ring until there is silence, or simply hold the leather cord and clang the tingshas together.

These gorgeous high quality chimes are made by Tibetan monks in a Tibetan refugee colony in northern India. Each item is individually "sand-cast" in brass and hand tuned to ensure clarity of sound and tone. Many of the bell styles originate on the high Himalayan plateau, where they traditionally rang from the necks of yaks and tough mountain ponies. Decorative elements such as clouds, mantras, lotus and dragons come from traditional Tibetan iconography. These chimes are strung with durable cords but are best kept protected from the sun and rain for the greatest longevity. Chimes can be purchased with one of three available decorative wall hangers for added appeal.

A wooden drum originating from Nepal. This popular instrument is the backbone of most of the Nepalese folk music.  It's cylindrical shape has a slight bulge in the middle. Each drum has two heads, made of goat skin.  A black paste attached to each head is responsible for the drum's unique resonance.  The skins are attached with goat leather strips and can be further tightened to tune the drum by metal rings on the various leather strips. Both heads are played simultaneously with hands, holding the drum horizontally, either sitting cross legged, by hanging it around one's neck or carried over the shoulder and striking from the front side only. Being hand

1/2" thick and 1.1 lbs in weight. This unique instrument is traditionnally played during marriage ceremonies, parades, and festivals which abound throughout Nepal.  Click on thumbnail for prices and sounds.

Small 2 headed drum shaped like an hourglass. Made of wood with leather heads and straps. Leather straps are knotted at the ends and used as strikers. Played one handed with the wrist twisting back and forth. Pitch changes by squeezing the lacing. Well known throughout Nepal, the Damaru is known as a power drum and when played tends to bring spiritual energy. 

Shamans (still the only health provider in many parts of Nepal) traditionally use these drums as a main tool to get rid of evil spirits. Made of wood with goat skin head and lacings. Traditional 3-sided carved wooden handle. Curved stick included. Lovely deep resonance. Size is approximately 2' 2" in length, 1' 2" wide and 5" thick.  The stick is 1'5" long.

Ghungru or ankle bells - popular in Nepali folk dances. Bronze bells with iron ball inside are tied to thick cotton cords which are attached to the ankles. Length: adjustable from 8" to 12" ankle circumference. 

Fair trade high quality Nepali handicrafts