Tibetan Buddhist art and religious practice are replete with ritual objects held as symbolic attributes by divinities and used by officiating priests and practitioners during various ceremonies intended to alleviate misfortune, increase prosperity, exorcise demonic spirits, or aid in the transcendental journey to enlightenment. When not in ritual use, these ornate sacramental implements are often displayed on elaborate altars along with other ceremonial offerings and images of the Buddha and important deities.
Conch shells have two uses in Buddhist rituals. The first is as a container for consecrated water. The second, such as this ornate example, is when they are used as trumpets by cutting the hole in the tip of the spire. The melodious sound of the conch shell represents the pervasive sound of the Dharma, the Buddha’s teachings. It is also believed to drive away evil spirits, so conch trumpets are blown during rituals and beneficial ceremonies.
This conch shell is adorned with silver fittings inlaid with coral, jade, and turquoise. The mouthpiece covering the spire is decorated with a scrolling vine and the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Visible in the photograph are the Endless Knot, Lotus, and Pair of Fish. The decorative flange attached to the conch’s aperture has a scrolling vine, Conch Shell (an Auspicious Symbol), and two mythical creatures, a griffin and dragon.
For a stylistically related ritual sword, see M.77.111.1.
