A pair (2 items) of sacred cymbals, called ‘rol-mo’. These are used as ritual music accompaniment by Tibetan Buddhist monks, ‘lamas’, in the whole of the Himalaya region during ceremonies and recitations of sacred texts in monasteries and temples. Both objects in the ‘rol-mo’ pair are made of thick, heavy cast brass and embossed. Each has a yellow brocade strap on a handle on the top, with a red line in the middle and green fabric trims. The straps are pressed together into a leather cuff. Leather straps are threaded through a hole in the middle of the instrument and held in place by a knot. When the two cymbals come together a full, pleasant and resonance tone is produced. Belonging to these two typical cultic instruments of the Tibetan cultural sphere is also a a soft, round ring covered in blue brocade. It is placed on one of the ‘rol-mo’ so that the other ‘rol-mo’ can be placed on it. On top then comes the small red covering and all is wrapped and tied in a green kerchief -- the travel packaging of the two ritual objects is ready! This entire ‘set’ was purchased from a consignor in the city of Paro in Bhutan. Diameter: c. 26.5 cm (each cymbal). 19th century to early 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Private Collection, Vienna.