Iron Musical Instrument

Bhutan had a long tradition of iron extraction and blacksmithery. According to historical records, Bhutan was also supplying a lot of iron to Tibet, particularly through the famous Tibetan bridge builder and saint, Thangtong Gyalpo, to be used for building iron chain bridges over big rivers. Bhutan's foremost saint Pema Lingpa also practised blacksmithery in the 15th century in central Bhutan. Monastic musical instruments including the different kinds of cymbals, trumpets and oboes are made from iron and brass.