Brass Murchunga [Brass Guimbardes]

Brass Murchunga: Handmade Nepalese Jaw Harp | Traditional Himalyan Folk Instrument Small enough to fit in your palm, but powerful enough to carry centuries of Himalayan soul, the Murchunga is one of Nepal’s most beloved folk instruments. Crafted by hand from solid brass, it produces a warm, hypnotic drone that you won’t find in any mass-produced instrument. Whether you’re a musician, a traveller, or simply someone who loves things made with care, this is a piece worth owning. About Murchunga The Murchunga, also known as the jaw harp, mouth harp or Jew’s Harp, has been played in the hills and villages of Nepal for generations. Folk musicians, dohori performers, and village storytellers have long used it to set the mood, fill a pause, or simply pass the time on a mountain trail. It’s one of those instruments that feels ancient the moment you hold it. This particular Murchunga is made entirely by hand from brass, shaped and finished by skilled local artisans. No two pieces are identical; the slight variations in form and tone are what make each one its own. You’re not buying a factory product. You’re buying something a person made. Playing it is surprisingly approachable. You hold it gently against your lips, pluck the metal tongue, and let your mouth shape the sound. Breath, vowel sounds, and subtle movements create a rich, buzzing resonance that feels almost meditative. Many sound therapy practitioners and yoga teachers have discovered it as a gentle, grounding tool. But at its heart, it’s a folk instrument, and it sounds best when played with a little feeling. For travellers visiting Nepal, it makes a deeply meaningful souvenir, compact, durable, and genuinely connected to the culture. For musicians exploring world and folk traditions, it opens a door to a sound that’s hard to find anywhere else. Key Features of Brass Murchunga Handcrafted by local Nepali artisans: no two pieces are alike in shape, tone, or finish Made from solid brass: strong, corrosion-resistant, and built to last for years Compact and featherlight: fits in a pocket, pouch, or carry-on without a second thought Produces a unique vibrating drone sound: shaped by breath and mouth position Needs no electricity, batteries, or tuning tools. Play it anywhere, anytime Eco-friendly, fully handmade process with minimal environmental footprint Carries deep cultural roots in Himalayan folk music and Nepali village traditions Why Buy Brass Murchunga If you’ve been searching for a portable folk instrument that travels as easily as a coin, this is it. No case needed, no setup required. For dohori performers or folk musicians, it adds a distinct layer of traditional texture that amplifies cultural authenticity on stage or at gatherings. Sound therapy practitioners find the steady drone calming; it’s been used in breathwork and meditation sessions to anchor presence and focus. Because every piece is handmade, gifting a Murchunga feels thoughtful in a way that a store-bought souvenir never quite does. Students studying ethnomusicology or world music traditions get a genuine, primary artefact, not a reproduction. Museums and cultural clubs will find it a tangible, displayable piece of living heritage from the Himalayan region. Specifications of Brass Murchunga Material Brass (solid, hand-forged) Crafted by Local artisans, Nepal Size Small / palm-sized (varies slightly per piece) Weight Lightweight – approx. 15–30g Sound type Vibrating drone/jaw harp resonance Requires Nothing; breath-powered, no accessories needed Finish Unique per piece (handmade variation) Price NPR 2,520 When and How People Use Murchunga Yoga & meditation practice Sound therapy sessions Folk & dohori performances Cultural gift-giving World music exploration Museum & exhibition display Travel souvenir from Nepal Ethnomusicology research School cultural programs Personal collection Ready to bring a piece of Nepal home? Each Murchunga is made by hand, so stock is limited, and every piece is one of a kind. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is a good moment to decide. It ships light, arrives ready to play, and comes with a cultural story card about its roots in Himalayan folk tradition.