Tibetan Dhyangro or Shaman's Drum Handle

The handle of a drum, and it sounds like a story.

Tibetan makers carved this dhyangro, or shaman’s drum handle, in wood in the early 20th century. Dhyangro handles belong to the double-faced drums of Himalayan shamans, and often take the form of a ritual dagger or phurba. This one has a slender shaft with a knobbed finial, a ring of small carved forms at the top, and a tapering blade-like lower end carved with a coiled figure. The wood is dark brown, polished by hands. It stands on a slim black mount.

About fifteen inches tall. It looks like a dagger, and it plays the part.