Nepal · Metalwork / Musical Instrument Making
जलतरंग (Jaltarang)
Himalayan singing bowls are hammered metal bowls producing sustained multi-tonal singing when struck or when a mallet circles the rim. Traditional Patan production uses a seven-metal alloy (symbolically seven planetary metals; practically Cu 80%, Sn 12% with traces). The defining knowledge is three-zone cold-hammering tuning: outer base zone controls fundamental; inner rim zone controls third harmonic; outer mid-wall zone controls fifth. Zone identification by knuckle tap — each zone produces a different resonance tone confirming its location. Sequence: identify zones by tap, hammer a zone, assess singing with mallet, repeat. Harmonic target: three tones in specific interval relationship (often fourth above fundamental). Bowl sings 30-60 seconds after single strike.
Risk level: Endangered · Nepal national ICH list
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