Old jhakri/shaman ritual dagger, phurba, Nepal, ca 1950

Beautiful object! On top an animal, below three heads, wrapped wire, the head of a bird of prey partly abstract and a sun, half sun and moon on the lower part. Beautiful patina, finely cut, and obvious traces of use and age. The phurba is placed on a custom made stand that is included!

Length: 22 cm, including stand approx. 26 cm
Weight: 73 grams
Origin: Nepal
Date: mid 20th century
Provenance: Obtained in situ from our own network

Below is some more information on the phurbu.

The Phurba, also known as a ritual dagger, is an important symbol in both Tibetan and Nepalese culture. It is often used in religious ceremonies, healing rituals and spiritual practices.

Symbolism of the Phurba:

1. Transforming Negative Energy: The Phurba is considered a powerful tool to dispel negative energies and malevolent spirits. It is used to break through energetic blockages and convert negativity into positive forces.

2. Anchoring of spiritual energies: The triple point of the Phurba symbolizes the anchoring of spiritual energies in the earth. It is used to mark sacred spaces and ground the energy, creating a stable and protected environment for ritual practices.

3. Transformation and healing: The Phurba also symbolizes transformation and healing. It is associated with tantric practices where negative emotions and obstacles are transformed into positive qualities and healing is promoted.

4. Protection against evil: The Phurba is often seen as a protective amulet against evil and negativity. It is used to provide protection against evil spirits, diseases and other threats.

5. Representation of Enlightenment: In some traditions, the Phurba is associated with Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered a symbol of his enlightened presence and his ability to remove obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

The Phurba is usually made of wood, metal, such as bronze or iron, and has a triple pointed tip at the end. The handle of the Phurba may be decorated with symbols, mantras or images relevant to the specific spiritual tradition in which it is used.

The use of the Phurba varies depending on the specific tradition and purpose of the ceremony. It can be used by Buddhist monks, shamans and practitioners of various spiritual paths.