Old jhakri/shaman ritual dagger, phurba, Nepal, ca 1920-40

Difficult to capture on photo and therefore more beautiful in real life!

Beautiful object! On top a shaman with an eagle underneath. The point is wrapped with a piece of metal. Appropriate traces of use and age. The phurba is placed on a custom made stand that is included!

Length: 22 cm, including stand more than 24 cm
Weight: 164 grams
Origin: Nepal
Date: 1920-40
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection in Zottegem, Belgium

Below 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 drive away negative energies and evil spirits. It is used to break energetic blockages and transform negativity into positive forces.

2. Anchoring of spiritual energies: The triple point of the Phurba symbolizes the anchoring of spiritual energies into 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 is also a symbol of 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 from evil: The Phurba is often seen as a protective amulet against evil and negativity. It is used to provide protection from evil spirits, illness, 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 three-pronged point 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 the purpose of the ceremony. It can be used by Buddhist monks, shamans and practitioners of various spiritual paths.