Zanguleh (zangula)
Unknown Artist
late 19th Century
Medium
Metal
Dimensions
Overall: H. ±4 15/16 x W. ±2 13/16 x D. ±2 5/16 in. (±12.6 x ±7.2 x ±5.9 cm) See measurement photo for specific measurements
Classification
Idiophone-Struck-bell-clapper
Culture
Iranian (Persian)
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number
89.4.2441
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments this *Zanguleh* (or *zangula*) is a captivating example of late 19th-century Iranian craftsmanship. Hailing from Persian culture, this small metal idiophone—measuring about 5 inches high, 2¾ inches wide, and ⅜ inches deep—belongs to the struck-bell-clapper family. These handheld bells were essential in traditional Persian music, signaling rhythms in ensembles or punctuating ceremonial dances and processions. Forged from metal, the *zanguleh* exemplifies the skilled metalworking techniques of Qajar-era I...