The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity...

19th Century Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. A fine piece of folk sculpture that is well patinated from considerable use. 10 inches, 25 cm. Very Good Condition.

19th Century Indian Processional Panel from Tamil Nadu in Southern India, 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) tall

Antique Indian white marble figure of Garuda in youthful human form, cobras wrapped around neck, shoulders, arms and encircling his head like a crown, hands clasped over the head of a giant cobra, losses of wings and lower portion of body, 16th/17th century.

Instead of shoes, sandals such as these were worn in villages throughout India. Hand carved from indigenous woods, frequently teak and fitted to the individual wearer. The knob on the toe prevented the sandals from falling off and no other attachment was used.

Indian bronze sculpture of Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) in his destructive aspect, an attribute in each of his eight hands, he stands on a dwarf, early 20th century. Size: 39" high x 22 1/2" wide

This Tibetan talisman has a sealed leather herb bag hanging on each side of a small bronze sitting Buddha which is also displayed in a leather casing. The Buddha is depicted as holding a small bottle. All 3 pieces are hanging from a matching leather strap so that it could be worn around the neck of the individual.

Tibetan Trunk with Garuda 39"L 21.75"H 15"D, 18th century, Central lozenge with Winged Garuda holding offering platter of fruits, outside pair of snarling dragons with raised surface, bordered by peony flowers, iron strapping bands, ring hinges, clasp loss, overall even wear

Old and Primitive Nepalese Mask with a Great Patina. 11.5h x 6.5w inches, 29h x 16.5w cm.

This elaborate antique embroidery panel is from Gujrat India and would have been used as a dowery quilt. It is backed with soft aged (now muted) cotton fabric, leaving a 4 inch border surrounding the embroidery. The gold and silver metallic threads are also somewhat subdued and blended giving the panel a soft and somewhat muted appearance which is very pleasing...

Albumen Photograph of Egyptian Ruins of Doorways with Hieroglyphs, Frith originally etched on plate, size: 8.5"H x 6.5"W, good condition, matted and framed in gold leaf frame, overall dimensions: 27"H x 21"W. Photographed in 1857 on 2nd trip to Middle East. Print Date: 1857. One of the first to travel and photograph area. Reference: Egypt and the Holy Land by Richard Lunn.

Nepalese Middle Hills Shaman Mask. 12 x 8.75 inches, 30.5 x 22 cm.

Very old mask with an elongated face, with moon and sun signs in relief on the forehead, small eyes, long nose, open mouth showing teeth. Wood, with encrusted patina. Nepal, 18th century. Height: 10 1/4" (26,2 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accident from top to bottom restored locally a long time ago, otherwise good condition. Ex. old European collection.

Rare Nepalese Shaman's Ritual Harness and Belt Suit of Bells, Feathers, Animal Hide, Shells, Fur, Metal, and Fabric. From the collection of Sam Hilu, prominent collector and author on Asian and African art. An old and rare piece that was used in rituals performed by a West Nepalese Shaman of the Magar Tribe in the Rukum District. Beautifully mounted and displayed on a custom metal stand...

17th Century White Tara Tibetan Thangka. The White Tara goddess symbolizes transcendent knowledge and purity. In ancient Tibet, it was believed that Tara was reincarnated in every virtuous and pious woman. She was born from the eye of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and became his wife. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum. Mineral pigments on silk...

17th Century White Tara Tibetan Thangka. The White Tara goddess symbolizes transcendent knowledge and purity. In ancient Tibet, it was believed that Tara was reincarnated in every virtuous and pious woman. She was born from the eye of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and became his wife. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum. Mineral pigments on silk...

17th Century Bhaisajyaguru Thangka. Antique Tibetan Thangka of the Medicine Buddha seated upon a lotus throne, holding the medicine bowl, and surrounded by Heavenly clouds and four Bodhisattva. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum. Mineral pigments on silk. 16 x 12 inches, 40 x 30 cm.

17th Century Vajravarahi Tibetan Thangka. Fine Antique Tibetan Thangka of the Sakti of Samvara, Vajravarahi (Tibetan: Hod-zer Chan-ma), Goddess of War and Victory, with a necklace of skulls, a staff of skulls, a skull bowl, and a crown of skulls. She is dancing on a lifeless body surrounded by a mandorla of flames. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum...