Rare Antique Shaman Singing & Fountain Bowl – G#3 (211Hz)

Antique Shaman Singing & Fountain Bowl – G#3 (211Hz) Throat Chakra
Weight 1.23 kilos (2 lb 11½ oz) Size 9¼ x 3½ inches (23.5 x 9 cm)

This very rare antique bowl was described as a ‘Shaman Bowl’ by a trusted Tibetan supplier, although I am unsure if this is because he acquired it from a Shaman or if it is a type of bowl that some Himalayan Shaman use in their work. 

It is undoubtedly an uncommon bowl form, and has a wide and shallow shape that would readily lend itself to the layering and mixing of shamanic medicinal preparations, or the presentation of a mandala.

However, apart from its shape, what really distinguishes this particular bowl is the purity of its sound and its ability to produce vibrant and energetic fountains if played around the rim with a little water inside.

The fundamental note is a powerful and beautiful third octave G# (212Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave E (643Hz) if a wooden ringer is used.

This is a large bowl (circa 1800) with a diameter of 9¼ inches.  It has a beautiful simplicity of form that I find very attractive.  It has a very distinctive rim line of a type commonly found on early bowls, and its wall is covered in small hammer marks that add surface interest inside and out.   It is structurally sound and clean, with a nice antique golden bronze colour.

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a ringer are both included in the price.

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Listen: (2 struck notes and 2 played notes, suede then wood)