Vintage Tibetan shang bell #1

The specific type of Tibetan hand-held bell known as ‘shang’ is a flat bell, similar in appearance to the pair of cymbals that are known as ‘tingsha bells’. Traditionally both the tingsha and the shang bells are made from a consecrated alloy of sacred metals, consisting of mostly bronze and copper, combined with traces of other metals. A shang bell however consists of only one such cymbal, underneath which a clapper (often made of animal horn or hardwood) is hung to produce the sound.

The shang bell is considered one of the oldest ritual instruments that is nowadays still used in Tibetan practice. It is especially used by Tibetan Bon or Buddhist practitioners, for example during Chöd rituals, where it is paired with a damaru drum and/or kangling trumpet. When played simultaneously with a damaru, the shang is held in the left hand and the damaru in the right. When only the shang is used, it is traditionally held in the right hand.

A shang bell can be used for similar purposes as for example an altar bell or temple bell. Think about ringing it at the beginning of a ritual, ceremony or healing session to invoke the helpful spirits or deities in. At the same harmonizing and stabilizing the energyfield of the room and/or the people in it and dispelling possible lurking evil spirits. 

Another important function of such a bell is that its often very clear, high-pitched sound also influences the practitioner's own state of mind; it helps to clear the mind from all kinds of wandering thoughts and go into a more peaceful, focused and receptive state. And the long-lasting vibrations reach all chakra's, giving them a quick clearance and harmonisation. Thus preparing the practitioner (and his clients) for the upcoming moment of prayer or spiritual practice.

By traditional Tibetan practitioners, a shang bell can sometimes even be rung continuously during the whole session or ritual.

When used in a traditional shamanic practice, a shang bell is considered to be especially connected to the Upperworld, because of its high pitch sound and the traditional way of both playing and storing it ‘upside down’, with the clapper facing upwards, to be able to gather the energies from the Upperworld heavens. 

This shang bell has a diameter of 11 centimeters. For a handle, a 20 centimeters long banner of multi-layered silk brocade with tassels has been used. This typical style of fabric usage can be found in many different applications in Himalayan regions; varying from smaller sizes being used as handle for ritual attributes, to much bigger items such as the meters-long "shambu" wall decorations or the high "chukor" ceiling hangings in temples and monasteries. In all instances it symbolizes a similar meaning; The multi-colored, shiny and elaborate applique banner represents the auspicious blessings of the jewels of the dharma being sent forth as multi-colored rainbow light.  

The bell has a horn clapper and a weight of 227 grams. This bell is from vintage origin and might show some signs of its age and previous usage, but overall it is in good condition.