Horagai
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The conch shell, blown as a trumpet, served a number of purposes in Japanese history. It is called jinkai (陣貝?), horagai (法螺貝?), or a number of other names in Japanese depending on its function.
The conch is perhaps most associated with its use by Buddhist monks for religious purposes. Its use goes back at least one thousand years, and it is still used today for some rituals, such as the omizutori (water drawing) portion of the Shuni-e rites at the Todaiji in Nara. Unlike most shell trumpets from other parts of the world which produce only one pitch, the Japanese hora or horagai can produce three or four different notes. The process of transforming a shell into an instrument is kept somewhat secret, but it involves the attachment of a bronze mouthpiece to the apex of the shell's spire.
The hora is especially associated with the yamabushi, ascetic warrior monks of the Shugendo sect. The yamabushi would use the trumpet to signal their presence to one another across mountaintops, and to accompany the chanting of sutras.
In war, the shell, called jinkai, or 'war shell', was used as a signalling trumpet. A large conch would be used, and fitted with a bronze mouthpiece. It would be held in an openwork basket and blown in different ways to signal troops to attack, withdraw, or change strategies. The trumpeter was called a kai yaku (貝役). The jinkai served a similar function to drums and bells in signalling troop formations, setting a rhythm for marching, and providing something of a heroic musical accompaniment to encourage the troops. Many daimyo (feudal lords) enlisted yamabushi to serve as kai yaku, due to their experience with the instrument.
[edit] References
- Clark, Mitchell (2005). "Sounds of the Silk Road: Musical Instruments of Asia." Boston: Museum of Fine Arts Publications.
- Turnbull, Stephen (2002). 'War in Japan: 1467-1615'. Oxford: Osprey Publishing.
