'Unreal' price paid in Laois for shaman's 'ferocious' dagger
A collector has paid an unbelievable price for an antique dagger or phubra at the famous Sheppard Auction Rooms in Durrow, Co Laois.
The rare 17th-century Tibeto-Chinese Meteorite iron phurba (dagger) sold on Day 1 of the Gentleman's Library auction in Durrow on Tuesday, November 7.
The lot description for the item said it was a lobed decorated conical-shaped blade issuing from the jaws of a "makara". The head of the dagger depicts a water monster in Hindu religion.
The description added that the four-part reeded and entwined handle below a three-headed "dharmapala terminal" included "ferocious expressions framed by fleurette" and figure mounted tiara.
Sheppards confirmed that it was sold for almost five times its pre-auction estimate. The auction house said bids concluded at an 'unreal' €140,000 when the Gavil went down for the last time.
A phurba is deeply rooted in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön traditions. It is said to be an essential ritual tool or ceremonial dagger used by a Tibetan or Nepalese shaman to direct positive energy and battle negative forces. Shaman carve and empower their own wooden phurbas after a period of meditation, and then continue to carry and use them throughout their lifetime.
The two-day sale takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 7/8. A letter from Michael Collins is among the other items for sale in the eclectic auction.