GREAT! Very old ghurra, churning stick, Nepal, 1890-1910

Beautiful very old ghurra made of walnut wood. The motif is a variation of the infinity knot. Not only the fine design is striking, but the fantastic patina .. see the photos! Evident traces of age and use; an object with a soul! I had a custom stand made for the ghurra that comes with it.

Length: 26 cm, including stand 27.7 cm
Weight: 265 grams, with stand 423 grams
Date: 1890-1910
Origin: Nepal
Provenance: From my private collection, obtained in situ from my own network

(Ghurras in this quality, often younger than this, are offered on various sites for 650-850 euros)

Some more information about Ghurras:

Nepalese wooden churning sticks, also known as "dhunge dhara", are traditionally used to churn milk and make butter. The churning sticks are made of wood and have a long, slender shape with a tapered end that fits into a wooden bowl. The churning stick is placed in the bowl and moved back and forth to separate the cream from the milk and make butter.

Wooden churning sticks have been an important part of daily life in Nepal for centuries and are still widely used, especially in rural areas where modern technology is less common. Using a wooden churning stick is not only practical but also has spiritual significance in Nepalese culture. It is considered a ritual and meditative process that emphasizes the purity and vitality of the milk.

The churning sticks are made from different types of wood, including maple, oak, walnut and magnolia. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and advantages. For example, maple wood is soft and lightweight, while oak wood is strong and durable. The churning sticks are often decorated with traditional Nepalese patterns and symbols, such as the lotus flower, the sun and the moon, and the stream of the river.

Wooden churning sticks are not only functional tools, but also culturally significant objects that reflect the traditions and craftsmanship of Nepal. They are often sold as souvenirs to tourists visiting Nepal and are increasingly valued as decorative art objects.

Nepalese wooden churning sticks have deep symbolic meaning in Nepali culture and are often regarded as sacred objects. Here are some of the symbolic meanings attributed to these churning sticks:

1. Purity: The process of churning milk and making butter is considered a ritual of purification and purification of the milk. The churning stick symbolizes this purity and is therefore often used in religious and spiritual ceremonies.

2. Energy: The movement of the churning stick in the bowl to churn the milk is seen as an expression of life energy and vitality. The churning stick therefore symbolizes strength and energy.

3. Connection: Using a wooden churning stick to make butter requires attention and accuracy. The process connects the user to the natural world and symbolizes the connection between humans and nature.

4. Spirituality: Wooden churning sticks are often decorated with symbols that have a deeper spiritual meaning, such as the lotus flower, which represents purity and spiritual growth.

5. Craft and Craftsmanship: The churning stick is a symbol of craft and craftsmanship and is still handcrafted by talented woodworkers in Nepal. Using the churning sticks is a way of preserving and honoring these traditional crafts.

In general, the wooden churning stick in Nepali culture is a symbol of purity, energy, connection, spirituality, and craft and craftsmanship.

Nepalese wooden churning sticks often depict traditional symbols and patterns that have a deeper meaning in Nepali culture. Here are some of the most common symbols depicted on these churning sticks:

1. Lotus Flower: The lotus flower represents purity and spiritual growth and is often depicted on Nepalese wooden churning sticks.

2. Sun and Moon: The sun and moon symbolize the masculine and feminine principle and complementary forces of the universe.

3. Elephants: Elephants are powerful and majestic animals often associated with strength and prosperity.

4. Birds: Birds symbolize freedom, courage and spirituality.

5. Himalayan Mountains: The Himalayan mountains are an important symbol of Nepal and are often depicted on churning sticks to emphasize the connection to the land and culture.

6. Stream of the River: The stream of the river symbolizes the flow of life and is often depicted on churning sticks to emphasize the connection with nature.

7. Geometric Patterns: Geometric patterns are often used as decorative elements on Nepalese wooden churning sticks and often have symbolic meaning related to spirituality and cosmology.

In general, the symbols on Nepalese wooden churning sticks are a reflection of Nepal's rich cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs.