Exquisite Intricate Antique Jhakri/Shaman Phurba – Archer Riding a Tiger

This antique Himalayan Jhakri or Shaman Phurba has been beautifully and intricately carved with numerous symbols.  The top features an archer (probably representing the shaman) riding a tiger, which in turn stand upon a crown with three deity heads.

The hilt below the deity heads has been bound with ritual cloth and features a dorje set between two carved endless knots.  I am unsure of the purpose of the rag bindings commonly found on antique phurba, but I personally believe it to be talismanic.  Some collectors and shamanic practitioners prefer to remove it so that the phurba can be seen in its entirety.

The 3-sided blade features a mythical winged elephant Makara beneath which are numerous wonderfully carved symbols on each of the blade’s facets.  They include the sun, moon, star, bows and arrows, entwined snakes (nagas) and a bump (ritual vase).  There are also some symbols that I can’t readily identify.

This type of phurba would have been carved by the shaman for use in transformational energetic work, hunting, healing, and protection rituals during their life-time.  

This is one of the most detailed and finely carved antique phurba in my entire collection.  It is in an excellent state of preservation, and has an attractive aged patina acquired from long use. 

Note: Most phurba on the market today are modern reproductions faked to appear old, and it takes a keen eye and considerable experience to tell the difference.  This wonderful old archer phurba was originally acquired for my personal collection, and not for resale.