Superb Rare Antique Shaman Phurba – Journeying Archer Horseman

This unusually large and superbly carved antique Phurba features a shaman archer on horseback, his hands together in prayer or positioned to hold reins. He wears a hat and has a tunic around his waist.  A pair of Malas are strung across his back, and a bow and arrow are at each side.  

The horse has a particularly nice mane and a long tail.  It wears a noseband and saddle, and stands on a 4-sided plinth, three of which feature the face of a wrathful deity, while the forth depicts the moon and an endless knot.

Below this is an elaborately carved mythical elephant Makara with a curled trunk and bared teeth.  The Makara leads to a short 3-sided blade that features a pair of entwined nagas (snakes) on two facets, and a shaman’s trident, bumpa (ritual vase) and a single snake on the other.

Horsemen Phurba sometimes symbolize a journey in the spirit world from one state or place to another.  They are also used in Tamang funeral rituals….the riders are shamans who guide the soul of the deceased into the afterlife.

This is an exceptionally interesting and beautifully carved antique Phurba, and one of the best in my entire collection.  It dates from the 19th century, and it is in a perfect state of preservation.