Interesting Antique Horse-Head Jhakri/Shaman Phurba

This antique Himalayan Jhakri or Shaman Phurba has been beautifully and intricately carved. The top features a horse head with (unusually) a metal wire bridle strap.  The horse’s head and neck are mounted on top of the four faces of a deity, each one separated separated from the other by a trident.

The hilt is a stylized and polished dorje set between two carved endless knots.

The top of the 3-sided blade features a mythical eagle’s head Makara with carved feathers down its back.   Two pairs of entwined snakes (nagas) trail from its mouth, and are gripped by its hands.

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

This is one of the most finely carved antique phurba in my entire collection.  It is in an excellent state of preservation, and has an attractive aged patina 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 horse-head phurba was originally acquired for my personal collection, and not for resale.