Tungna instrument – Wood, Metal – Nepal

Old wooden fiddle from Nepal or China, probably a Tungna. The Tungna a plucked string instrument from the Northern Himalayan region: Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan. It is made from a single piece of carved wood.

It is mostly played by the people in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal mainly by the Tamang, Gurung and Sherpa people during auspicious occasions, gatherings and festivals. The musicians play the Tungna and sing songs, which they compose themselves especially to welcome the New Year or during the harvest season. Most households of this mountain region have at least one Tungna in their house.

Fair condition with ttraces of wear and tear. The strings ar no longer attached anymore. The hollow part is covered with metal plates which can make a sound if you move them.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany