A trumpet made from a human thigh-bone. It is a ritual object blown during a tantric ceremony to drive away evil spirits. The femur is either from a criminal, someone who died a violent death or, as in this case, a respected lama. The trumpet plays an essential role in the sacred music of Tibet. Bone trumpets symbolize impermanence and are also held to be capable of dispelling negative energy. From the family of H.H. The Dalai Lama.