The Naga people are a collection of 35+ tribes, or about 3.5 million people, who live in the hills of Nagaland, India and in the bordering country of Myanmar. Their beliefs are animistic and shamanism is a respected, integral part of everyday life.
Shaman Effigy, Nagaland, India, Naga tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, pigment, shell
This figure was used in healing rituals and probably for connecting to ancestor spirits. There are seven creature images on the backside. The creature depictions are made by poking holes as an outline for each one.
14” x 5 ¾” x 2 ¾”, SOLD
Monkey Skull Amulet Necklace, Naga tribe, Nagaland, India, Mid to late 19th c, Bone, horn, fiber cord
This Macaque skull and goat horn amulet was worn by the shaman for healing rituals and likely for connecting to helpful spirits. It was passed down from shaman to shaman, worn for many generations
22” x 4 ½” x 2 ½”, $780. SOLD
Medicinal Mortar, Nagaland, India, Early 20th c, Wood
This shaman grinding bowl is for preparing healing medicinal herbs and other substances for remedies tailored for each patient. It is carved by the shaman with power designs that relate to healing rituals.
6 ½” x 4” x 4”, $190.
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MYANMAR
Burmese Medicine Blocks – Compressed Herbal Figurines, Myanmar/Burma, Late 19th c, Mixture of Dried, Pressed Herbs
These 3 figures are not Naga, but from the neighboring country of Myanmar. They are a mixture of herbs pressed into blocks and carved into figurines for healing potions/remedies. The Shaman follows precise rituals and recipes to make these medicine figures between 3:00 and 6:00 am only.
Once pressed and detailed into the tiny figurines, the shaman will use them many times by chipping off small bits from the bottom side to prepare the appropriate mixture and dosage of healing elixirs for patients. 2 ½” to 3″, Left to right – $375., $240., $395.
Nepal is home to many ethnic groups and religious traditions including Hinduism and Buddhism. Shamanism combines these religions with the worship of nature and natural phenomenon. There is a unique village, called “Lugum”, in Western Nepal whose only inhabitants, at the time of this writing, are 126 shaman – 18 of whom are women. In addition to their role as healers and intermediaries between the mortal and spiritual worlds, is a duty to protect the larger community around them from witches and harmful spirits, whose evil doings wreak havoc if not managed. It is the shaman’s roll to keep everything in balance to maintain the natural order of life. Scroll for images and captions of all the Nepal pieces from our “Balancing The Universe” exhibition. 9/10 – 12/3/17
Damaru with Chopin (2 sided drum with sash), late 19th and early 20th c, Wood, Hide, Fabric
This power drum, associated with Shiva, is used for tantric rituals and is played with a twisting motion so the two beaters – attached by cords, hit the drum heads simultaneously. It produces a rhythmic and spiritual sound by which the universe was created and is regulated. The Chopin (sash) is typically embroidered with the colors of the tantric elements and waves its colors as the drum is played. It is used to attract and dispel negative energy.
(large) 32” x 11 ¼” x 4 ½”; $700.; (small) 2” x 5 ¼” x 3” [case 6” x 5” x 3”] $500. SOLD
Phurba – Ritual Daggers, Early 20th c, Wood / Metal.
Not meant for stabbing or causing harm to humans, it is used to attract and dispel negative energy. After collecting the demons or evil spirits into the phurba, the shaman pierces the ground with the dagger dispersing or redirecting the harmful energy by releasing them from whatever was causing them to be evil.
Still used by Buddhists and shamans in Nepal, Tibet and the Himalayas, these magical daggers date back to at least the 7th or 8th century. Please see previous ‘Phurba’ blog entry for full history and information on individual pieces – price range is $190. to $650., or contact us for more photos, availability and pricing details.
Snake Vertabrae and Rudraksha Bead Naga Mala Necklace; Early 20th c; Bone, Rudraksha Seeds
Snake vertebrae prayer bead necklace, worn by shaman to invoke snake gods to protect themselves during healing rituals. From 18″ to 33″; $290 to 370. (see detail image below)
Detail of Naga Mala necklace of snake vertebrae and rudraksha beads, early 20th c
The Naga Mala are primarily used in healing ceremonies for protection against harmful spirits and to connect the shaman with the sacred snake gods and goddesses who help inform their work. The preparation of the snake bones, and of creating the necklace itself, involves an intricate sacred ritual to properly empower them. Rudraksha, meaning ‘Enlightened’, seeds symbolize divine wisdom and are traditionally used as prayer beads.
Yak Bell Hat Strap, mid 2oth c (some bells up to 150 years old), Plant Fiber, Indgo Cloth, Brass, Iron
Worn over the head piece and under the chin to secure the shaman’s ‘hat’; Indigo dyed cotton cloth covering a woven fiber band with attached conical and crotal bells. Used in healing rituals and to protect the shaman and the villagers from witches and other evil beings. Some of the bells are newer case brass, some are old hand forged iron.
18 ⅓” x 4 ½” x 1 ⅗”; $395.
Shaman Cuff Bracelet, Mid 19th c, Wood
Worn by shaman during rituals and ceremonies to protect themselves from witches and harmful spirits. Hand carved wood, 3 ¼” x 4 ¼” x 5 ¼”, $120. SOLD
Naga Mala ritual necklace, late 19th c, bone, Himalayan goat horn, Rudraksha seeds, old European glass trade beads, iron beads, brass crotal bells
The Naga Mala are primarily used in healing ceremonies for protection and to connect the shaman with the sacred snake gods and goddesses who help inform their work. The preparation of the snake bones and of the necklace itself, involves an intricate sacred ritual to properly empower them. The Rudraksha (enlightened) seeds symbolize divine wisdom and are traditionally used as prayer beads. The bells make a sound that evoke ancestor spirits and helps the shaman transition into a trance state for ceremonies., 22” x 7” x 1 ¾”, $750.
Sacred Ritual Drum with Bells, Mid to late 19th c, wood, hide, iron
The Yak bells and amulets facilitate entering and maintaining a trance state necessary for the shaman to perform rituals, 17 ½” x 8” x 8” (plus 7” bell chains), $1400.
Shaman Wand, Early 19th c., wood, metal, cotton cord, pigment
This Wand from Northwestern Nepal (near Lake Jumla) is a powerful shaman tool. Held in one hand while chanting, the shaman shakes it with short, quick jerks then taps it to the ground to cleanse the area from harmful spirits. 28” x 11” x 3 ¼”, $650. SOLD
Shaman Ceremonial Stools; Late 19th to mid 20th c; wood
Hand carved wood. They are used to sit slightly elevated off the ground for meditation and for ritual ceremonies.
12″ to 14″, $185. to $320.
Shaman Stools, late 19th to mid 20th c, Wood
Hand Carved Wooden Ceremonial Shaman Stools. They are used to sit slightly elevated off the ground for meditation and for ritual ceremonies, Mid 19th to early 20th century, 8″ to 14″, $95. to $190.
Ritual Necklace with Rare Large Anaconda Snake Bone, Western Nepal, Late 19th c, painted bone, brass, glass and quartz beads
This sacred shaman necklace is particularly rare because of the size of the snake vertebrae used. It is colorfully detailed with the old European handmade glass trade beads and old clear quartz beads, and the age and use worn small brass crotal bells. The pair of unusually large snake vertebrae are from a 20 foot anaconda. They have been painted green. The preparation of the snake bones and the necklace itself involves an intricate sacred ritual to properly empower them. The bell sound helps the shaman transition into a trance state in preparation for a ceremony and the snake bone connects them to ancestral spirits. 13” x 3 ¾” 1 ½”, $875. SOLD
The Naga Mala, primarily used in healing ceremonies, are for the shaman’s protection and to connect them with the snake gods and goddesses who help inform their work. The preparation of the snake bones and the necklace itself involve an intricate sacred ritual to properly empower them., The Rudraksha, meaning ‘enlightened’, seeds symbolize divine wisdom and are traditionally used as prayer beads. 22” x 7 ½” x 1 ¼”, $690.
Dhyango with Phurba Handle – Ritual 2 Sided Drum Drum, Early 19th c, Hide, Wood
Played by shaman (Jhakri), with a curved stick, to facilitate entering and maintaining the shaman’s trance state for their journey into the spirit world. A deity will often reside in the drum during the ritual. 26″ x 14″ x 6′, $900.
Ritual Apron Belt, Early 20th c, Leather, Iron, Brass, Horn, Tusk, Shell (some bells up to 150 years old)
This large belt is an essential part of all Nepalese shaman costumes. The belt, or apron, is heavy and loud with the many parts: hide leather, iron chain and hand crafted crotal, and cylindrical bells and bangles, and the brass conical bells. The cowrie shells, goat horn and wild boar tusk are all symbolic and spiritual tools. They are used in rituals to protect shaman, villagers and the area from witches and other evil beings. (it is a waist belt with hanging bells and over the shoulder cross straps). 58” x 32” x 3”, $3200.
Ritual Apron Belt, Early 20th c (some bells up to 150 years old), Leather, Iron, Brass, Yak hair
An essential part of Nepalese shaman costumes, this heavy apron belt is made of hide leather, iron chain and hand crafted cylindrical bells and bangles, brass conical and crotal bells. The yak tail, and other amulets which are attached, are powerful spiritual tools. They are worn during rituals and ceremonies to protect the shaman, the villagers, and the area from witches and other evil beings. (it is a waist belt with hanging bells and over the shoulder cross straps), 44” x 33” x 3”, $3200.
Shaman Amulet and Bell Necklace, Early 20th c, Iron, Brass, Leather, Shell
This leather amulet with the four cowrie shells and brass conical bells on a chain, is a sacred ritual necklace is worn to facilitate entering a trance state. The bells make a nice sound when worn or hung in the wind, that represents a caravan of yaks coming down a mountain, creating a magical link to their ancestors who migrated over the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal, 28 ½” x 3 ¼” x 1”, $295.
Shaman Amulet and Bell Necklace, Early 20th c, Iron, Brass, Leather, Shell
This leather amulet with the four cowrie shells and brass conical bells on a chain, is a sacred ritual necklace is worn to facilitate entering a trance state. The bells make a nice sound when worn or hung in the wind, that represents a caravan of yaks coming down a mountain, creating a magical link to their ancestors who migrated over the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal, 28 ½” x 3 ¼” x 1”,$295.
Shaman wear loud bells to facilitate entering a trance state necessary for their practice. Makes a nice sound when worn or hung in the wind, that represents a caravan of yaks coming down a mountain, creating a magical link to their ancestors who migrated over the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal, 15″ to 21″, $230. to 290. SOLD
Part of the shaman’s costume worn during rituals and ceremonies to protect them from witches and harmful spirits. Bells and amulets are often attached to the chain. 15″ to 21″, $110. to $130.
Shamanic Culture, Tribal Art, Healing and Magic converge in an unmatched, museum quality collection of over 300 shaman pieces from across SE Asia. We had an opening extravaganza to debut the rare amulets, instruments and costumes, acquired over the last 15 years.
It took months to research the individual pieces that represent many different, ancient healing cultures from South East Asia – Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Nagaland (India) and across the 17,000 Islands of Indonesia. Some of the pieces have been passed down through generations of healers and date back 400 years. Please inquire for a tour of the magical mystery pieces! If you have the time to browse, we learned a lot and would love to share all the intriguing histories.
For continuity, we have grouped the blog entries by country and culture. Check back as we continue to add a full listing and photographs of all pieces in the original exhibition.
We are excited to share a custom slab table concept we’ve been working on.
The idea started after seeing a very rare and obscure cross section of Bastogne walnut that friends of ours have had in storage.
Knowing that this piece would never be a table without combining materials we started daydreaming about the possibilities.
After a series of sketches we came up with the size and round shape you see below.
After narrowing down the shape of the slab we started daydreaming about what type of material to combine this organic piece with.
We narrowed it down to two different choices, either a hand patina-ed steel or potentially marble.
A simple X shape base made in steel will support the entire structure.
After we complete the construction of the base, hand plane and properly sand the live edges of the slab. We will then move forward with the water-jetting of the steel or marble, and begin the custom finishing of the wood by starting with hand rubbed oil finish which will be followed by a protective matte top coat for durability.
Shamanism is a fascinating subject. Reaching far back into prehistory, the quest to cure the ailing and ensure our survival gave rise to its development. It is deeply rooted in *animism and appears as such in virtually all societies around the globe. The striking similarities in beliefs and rituals throughout so many different cultures make it an intriguing and mysterious phenomena from the modern western perspective.Continue reading →
A Tibetan mug or vessel for a traditional, indigenous, hot, alcoholic beer-like drink called Jaand.
These ‘beer tea’ mugs are made of sections of mature bamboo. The inner nodes are carved out and often ringed with metal bands on the exterior. The cover or lid keeps the Jaand hot and has a small hole to stabilize the fine bamboo straw used to filter the grainy drink.
Our collection of Tongbas are beautifully worn and patinated pieces of Nepalese ethnic art.
If you’re wild enough to try making Jaand.. the process is relatively simple and we have the mugs!
The millet grain is cooked, cooled and mixed with ‘murcha’, a fermenting yeast (like brewer’s yeast) and left to sit for two days. It’s then transferred to a sealed container to mature for two weeks. The concentrated, fermented mash can then be stored for up to six months.
To prepare the drink, the mash is generously scooped into a tongba and boiling water is poured over it like loose tea leaves. After steeping for five minutes it’s ready to drink.
Because the fermenting happens in the grain and the water is added later, it’s easily transportable which is ultimately practical for carrying at the high altitudes of Tibet.
All pieces in our collection were hand collected by David while trekking in Mustang. They are between 50-100 years old and range in price from $150-200.
2000 Year Old Coins – Necklaces by David Alan Designs.
Part of ‘David Alan Designs’ signature style is to incorporate antiquity into wearable art.
This post highlights 17 recently completed necklaces featuring beautifully patinated Kushan copper coins set in sterling silver to create beautifully elegant yet casual necklaces. We invite you to come browse the drawers in our jewelry gallery to view the collection these new creations and thousands of other one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry pieces by David Alan Designs.
History of the coins – The Kushan Empire reigned for 500 years and spanned from Northern India to Central Asia. They Kushan people were a major world power and master traders along the Silk Road.
Coin Design – Inspired by ancient Roman and Greek currency, they depict a Deity on one side, a King on the other and include symbols and motto’s. The rulers were shown either in profile bust, standing pose or on horseback. The Deities chosen for the flip side of the coin illustrate how the individual Kings wished to be perceived.
This enduring style of personal propaganda became an invaluable historical resource.The Kushan’s long and intricate political history has largely been revealed through the study of its surviving coins.
These pieces are not only beautiful artifacts but keys to history and a treasure to be worn.
Prices range from $300-500, please contact one of our sales associates for more information or for current inventory.
Japanese Cha Dansu “Tea cabinet”, late 1800’s – early 1900’s
When this Late 19th century Japanese cha-dansu (tea chest) arrived on a recent shipment from Kyoto, one of our sales associates immediately tagged it “sold” in their name and set it aside until time presented an opportunity for further inspection. When the time came, investigation revealed the top center drawer was jammed, unable to be opened. With careful coercion the source of the jam was divulged which only compounded the interest in the chest.
Inside the drawer was one color photograph, four black and whites dated 12/29/1941and a hand written letter. If a picture’s worth a thousand words the photos found within could comprise a novel. The photos, of three generations of family members and the accompanying letter relate the everyday goings on of what appears to be an average Japanese household covering the same topics you might find in an equivalent letter of American origin. i.e. A recent move to a new town and the adjustments being made, plans for a visit in the new year. Our son, looking forward to sports day* at school, our Daughter is starting 6th grade, winter is coming on and the days are getting shorter. Colder. These old memories and photographs make one nostalgic and curious about a family they’ve never known. They offer a glimpse into the lives of strangers and rather than highlight differences, magnify the similarities and remind us that lives and people around the world are often much the same in spite of cultural customs and visible differences.
Note: The term Tansu is a general term referring to wooden storage chests of Japanese origin. When a particular use is attributed to a Tansu the word becomes “Dansu”. As in Clothing Dansu, Kitchen Dansu or in this case Tea (cha) Dansu.
This piece measures 25″ wide x 28″ tall x 11″ deep and is made from Japanese cedar faced with Japanese Keyaki wood.
*-The second Monday of October is “Undokai” or “Sports Day”. Often a national holiday where elementary aged school children engage in various competitive games and sports for prizes and trophies.
The Snow Lion – or ‘Gangs Seng Ge’ in Tibetan, is a powerful celestial animal that resides in the eastern Himalayas. Protector of Buddha, it personifies fearlessness and a cheerful mind. For more than a century it has remained the national emblem of Tibet.
The Snow Lion is a common theme in proverbs and folk songs dating back to the 3rd century AD. Monks as well as lay people perform Snow Lion dances, often at festivals, to drive away evil spirits and to celebrate the balance between the spiritual and temporal realms. This king of beasts is also depicted to represent Yogis and Hermits living high in the mountains.
Although Snow Lions do not fly, their paws never touch the ground. The lioness has the extra ability to produce magical milk from her paws. It can heal the body and restore harmony. Holy medicinal remedies containing its essence are still prescribed.
As well as being protector to Buddha, the Snow Lion is one of the Four Dignities of Shambhala – the ancient Hindu mythological kingdom. They are; Tiger, Garuda (a humanoid bird-like creature), Dragon and the SnowLion who represents joy and discipline. Together they symbolize the four principals of confidence that a ruler must develop in order to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life.
These 120+ year old Tibetan pendants are believed to carry the power and attributes of the creature and have become a symbol of freedom.
We have been collecting Antique Jizo Statues from the Edo Period of Japan for years. Their aesthetic beauty and symbolism is something we hold dear at David Alan. Along with these rare antique finds, we are happy to announce we have found contemporary Jizo Statues made from both wood and limestone. They are quite amazing!
Jizō is a bodhisattva, who has postponed Nirvana until all can be saved. Jizō embodies supreme spiritual optimism, compassion, and universal salvation. He is the guardian of children, expectant mothers, women and travelers.
It took months to research the individual pieces that represent many different, ancient healing cultures from South East Asia – Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Nagaland (India) and across the 17,000 Islands of Indonesia. Some of the pieces have been passed down through generations of healers and date back 400 years. Please inquire for a tour of the magical mystery pieces! If you have the time to browse, we learned a lot and would love to share all the intriguing histories.
