Antique Shamanic Phurba with Putali – Nepal - 1880-1920

Enhance your collection with this fascinating wooden Phurba, an authentic ritual dagger from the hill regions (Middle Hills) of Nepal. Standing at a substantial 37 cm, this piece is not a tourist souvenir, but a powerful instrument that likely belonged to an active village shaman (Jhakri) from the Magar or Tamang communities.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Unlike common Tibetan variants, this phurba is crowned with a 'Putali' (small figure) in Namaskara Mudra. This gesture of deep devotion symbolizes the unification of the physical and spiritual realms. The three-sided blade is designed to overcome the 'three poisons'—ignorance, desire, and hatred—while 'pinning down' negative energies. The incised symbols of the sun (Surya) and moon (Chandra) act as cosmic navigation tools to guide the shaman through spiritual worlds during a trance.

Craftsmanship and Ritual Integrity The piece showcases the powerful, almost cubist carving style characteristic of western 'Hill Shamanism.' Carved from a dense hardwood, it features a deep, encrusted smoke patina—the result of decades spent near sacrificial fires and contact with ritual substances like butter or vermilion. The natural sheen on the raised surfaces attests to its significant age and authentic ritual history.

Characteristics • Type: Shamanic Jhakri Phurba with Putali-top. • Origin: Middle Hills (Jajarkot/Humla region), Central or Western Nepal. • Material: Hand-carved hardwood with deep, encrusted patina. • Period: Late 19th / Early 20th Century. • Height: 37 cm (substantial size). Wieght: 373 gram • Iconography: Putali in Namaskara Mudra, Surya and Chandra symbols on the blade. • Condition: Excellent ritual condition with authentic traces of use.

The market value for a phurba of this rarity and museum quality is estimated between €800 and €1,500.