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~ Voodoo Priestess Estate ~ ©
Thai Khun Paen, Nang Phaya, Phra LP Boi, Phra Rod, Phra Chao Sua, LP Thaud, 12 Amulet Bo Wood Wall Shrine
A Main Ballroom Altar Find
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This is another of our very long listings with an abundant text and 8 photographs, so please be patient and read the write-up through
If you have come this far, we feel you will find it was worth the wait.
It has now been just over twenty-two and a half years ago since we were called to do the estate that had been closed up for seventeen years!
The Voodoo Estate!
This type of call usually gets us excited as they are a treasure trove. Located here in Florida, there was no electricity or running water so we rigged our own lighting and in we went. If you have ever seen the Adams Family you will have some idea as to what we were greeted with! Then the attorney handling the liquidation gave us some background.
The estate had belonged to an alleged powerful Voodoo Priestess/JooJoo Exorcist, grand daughter of a Marie Laveau, and favored daughter of a Marie Glapion. These names meant nothing to us, but the late night talk of Voodoo and exorcism in the old mansion was enough to make us decide to spend the night in a hotel and return in the morning to assess the estate. The rest is history.
Our research has shown that this woman was what she claimed and was indeed descended from a long line of well known Vodoun family originating in New Orleans in the early 1800's. We were pretty unnerved by this until we discovered they were also devout Catholics! Although I have to admit this was unlike any Catholic home we have ever been in and some of the items found inside were a little more than unnerving.
There was no feeling of dread or unwelcome in the home, however there was quite a bit of contraband and other items we can or will not sell here.
This is one of a few pieces from this estate we will be listing this week, so check our other listings!
We will, upon the new guardian's request, issue a named Letter of Authenticity with each piece from this estate, complying with the terms set forth to us by the estate's attorney.
Some Back Story
Found at the Main Altar in the Main Ballroom, which was the largest if not the most ornate of all the altars in this estate. It was here in the Main Ballroom that the large ceremonial gatherings took place.
It is one of thirty two unattributed vintage and antique Southeast Asian amulet artifacts recovered from this altar. There are no inventory or journal mention of them that we have been able to find. This is not unusual as there were piles of things that had apparently been tossed at altar and left to accumulate over the years. We literally had to shovel them up in some areas to cart them out of there. It was most likely a gift offering from a visiting practitioner or p as were many of the items left at this altar.
The Guest Book to this altar room has thousands of entries which read like a who's who of metaphysical practitioners, dating back to 1910 with a total of 6842 from 1979 to the ninety days following her death.
There are numerous journal entries spanning the years from 1934 to 1960 that tell us of monks, sorcerers and healers from Vietnam, Cambodia Malaysia, Singapore, Burma and Thailand visiting this estate, but their purpose for the most part is unclear. It would appear many were involved in the politics and underground commerce for profit and or fund raising in each of these countries during that time period. Although there are a number of entries we can associate with this shrine, we did not find corroboration to support any supposition.
The Shrine
Examination reveals a 16 3/4" x 5 1/4" x 11/16" rough hewn Thai Bo (Bodhi) wood plank that has been inleted to fit the twelve amulets it displays. They are paired Khun Paen, Nang Phaya, Phra LP Boi, Phra Rod, Phra Chao Sua and LP Thaud clay amulets of unknown origin. Our resident experts believe it was a home shrine, the amulets from the local temple, most likely post WWII.
The amulets appear to have been glued in place and there is some minor damage to the lower left LP Thaud and lower center Phra Chao Sua. The wood and amulets display some worm holes (wood reliquary only, not the amulets), candle and/or incense soot patina and the hanger is modern day, not original to this estate, installed by our own Uncle Waddy who intended to wall mount it. The artifact shows no other signs of damage or repair.
Although there is no indication that the mistress of this estate or its inhabitants were ever aware of this shrine, they were no strangers to the amulets of Thailand and examples of each of these were entered into their inventory, usually accompanied by copious notes of their history and the lore surrounding them. Those associated with this estate made them part of their worship and occult practices, attributing them with affording granting love and luck, miraculous healings and many other useful attributes such as protecting one from weapons, black magic and ghosts.
The Amulets
The following are some of the entries they made in their ledgers concerning these types of amulets in their extensive collections.
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Khun Paen
These LiDiex journal entries tell us the original oral tradition told of Phra Khun Paen amulets discovered at Wat Ban Grang located in Suphanburi province. Part of the 1934 discovery under the pagoda at the back of temple that was broken into, the break-in revealing thousands of amulets with more than eighty thousand assorted amulets and over thirty imprints of “Phra Khun Paen Pim Ha Liam Ok Yai” (pentagon shape with big chest imprint). This is not one of those amulets, but a look into the beliefs and practices surrounding, “Phra Khun Paen Pim Ha Liam Ok Yai.”
“This is a tale of the legendary Khun Paen who lived between 2034 and 2072 BE (1491to1529). He is the Ayutthaya warrior depicted in the votive's tablets found at Wat Bankrang, Suphanburi Province, which were over one hundred years old when they were uncovered. Khun Paen was born in Suphanburi Province (70 km. northwest of Bangkok) and grew up in the closed border Kanchanaburi Province." (this is the location of the infamous Bridge over River Kwai). "He was disciple to Archan Kong, for magical studies who achieved early renown as a skillful hero, who won the high military rank of Khun from the king. It is his life story that is told in Khun Chang Khun Phaen (the epic Thai poem which originated from his legend. It is one of the most notable works in Thai literature).
"This is no image of Lord Buddha but the images of Khun Paen during the stages of his life. His amulets were not produced by him, but long after his death. This initial hidden find of amulets in Suphanburi, were distributed and won fame throughout Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. This was made and blessed by a gathering of Magic Monk Masters of Cambodia who sang kahta to protect from weapons and exude sexual attraction.”
"He created the first Guman Thong. This spirit son defended him against enemy spirits, bilocated them, acted as his spy in battle and during his gambling, being especially fond of cock fights, for which he took great pleasure in winning bets. A master sorcerer and ladies man with numerous wives who used his magic of invulnerability, invisibility, to confuse the enemy march (a spell the LiDiex later names as the labyrinthine field), and change the leaves of the trees to become angry wasps! A master of formula and mantra with supernatural power that stuns enemies, shape shifts him, opens locks, and break chains. He could cast sleep to an entire enemy camp, and convert sheaves of grass into invulnerable spirit warriors. But it is his love formulas that captivate women."
"It is from his miracles that his Archan's make Khun Paen as amulets we use for protection against deadly weapons and just naturally attract the opposite sex. Wear Khun Paen and you will be trusted, respected and admired and gain success in all that you do."
Unfortunately, we can not definitively attribute this matched pair of amulets to any particular monk's or temple's production run. In consulting experts, the described process used to make these amulets began with the first Khun Paen amulets, and possibly with the first Khuman Thong, although, none are known to exist. They would have been made by roaming forest monks, not directly affiliated with any temple.
In later journal entries they note of these amulets, “It is a common characteristic of Thailand's magic to grant the ability to go unnoticed, thwart attacks of weapon and magic and always providing a sense of well being. Simply hold and gaze upon the image from time to time."
"Understand, that it will possess you to some extent and influence your judgment."
"This is not a Buddha, but a Yin and Yang charm. It is a charm that originates from ancient Cambodian magic."
"When traveling, it will protect you. It is a match maker, and will provide you with sexual partners. It responds well to two red candles chant ceremonies."
According to one of her journal entries, “They offer multiple levels of protection."
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Nang Phaya
Phra Nangphaya are highly desirable among worshippers and collectors alike. Thai belief coincides with one of her journal entries which reads; "here is protection from oneself harm. The image is blessed by many temples and monks over the years. These prayers, still chanted today which enrich every amulet in the world, assuring its power remains intact."
Phra Nang Phaya is named as Benjapakee, one of the Grand Five.
In early 1950’s, the authoritative group of well-known amulet collectors suggested a guide for the Thai people of the best choice of amulets to be worn on their neck, They took the history of Buddha, their age, form and size etc. into consideration.
The great BenjaPakee amulets are:
1. Phra Somdej (King of Amulets)
2. Phra Nang Phaya (Queen of Amulets)
3. Phra Rod
4. Phra Phong Supan
5. Phra Somkor
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In entries from the LiDiex journals, it is noted of these amulets, “It is a common characteristic of Thailand's magic to grant the ability to go unnoticed, thwart attacks of weapon and magic and always provide a sense of well being. Simply hold and gaze upon the image from time to time."
“I will attempt to instruct you as was taught to me, the khata to bless your amulets prior to wear, as it is not sufficient to just carry or wear them. This is a simple procedure, but should be done in the morning before wearing them. You must first chant ‘Na Mo Dtassa Pakawadto Arahadto Sammaa Samputtassa’, three times before chanting;
Na Ma Pa Ta, Sang Wi taa Bu Ga Ya Ba
Na Moe Put Taa Ya, Ja Pa Ga Sa, Ma A U
Here you should light your candles and incense in the presence of your Buddha image, and place your amulets before Him. Bow on the floor three times to the triple gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and say in your heart;
‘Puttang Saranang Kyajchaami, Tammang Saranang Kyajchaami, Sangkang Saranang Kyajchaami,
Tudtiyambi Puttang Saranang Kyajchaami, Tammang Saranang Kyajchaami, Sangkang Saranang Kyajchaami,
Dtadtiyambi Puttang Saranang Kyajchaami, Tammang Saranang Kyajchaami, Sangkang Saranang Kyajchaami’
Here take up the amulets in prayer and chant;
’Na Mo Dtassa Pakawadto Arahadto Sammaa Samputtassa
Na Mo Dtassa Pakawadto Arahadto Sammaa Samputtassa
Na Mo Dtassa Pakawadto Arahadto Sammaa Samputtassa’
Focus your amulets in your third eye. When you see them clearly, focus a stream of molecular thought energy on them as you, in your heart, raise the awareness of your faith in the Buddha, the Dharma and the refuge of the Sangha. You must mean this in your heart. Now chant the Amulet Kata concentrating with all faith;
Na Ma Pa Ta, Sang Wi taa Bu Ga Ya Ba
Na Moe Put Taa Ya, Ja Pa Ga Sa, Ma A U
Now blow onto the amulets, place them on your third eye and put them on."
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Phra LP Boi
This is a relatively rare amulet. The originals had been stored in a stupa when it was built. When the structure collapsed, a century later, thousands of these amulets were found. Those original amulets are now valued at $6,000 USD.Only two other examples of this amulet were recovered from this estate, brought here be a group of visiting Theravada monks on holiday. According to the inventory ledger pertaining to that pair of prized votives, she quotes them as telling her; "The power of these holy items is the Thai's belief in Buddha's good for everything powers to bring good luck, happiness, life protections, good fortune, wealth, power, prosperity, prevent evil spirits and dark magic."~!~
Phra Rod
Originally named "Phra Sukaputtapatima" these amulets were designed and made by Lersi. History records them as the former abbots, Phra Perm, Phra Bang, Phra Khong, Phra Liang and Phra Rod. These amulets were originally made in B.E.1223 (680 AD!) in what is now the Lumpoon province of Thailand.
Lumpoon province was then tribal land of the "Mengkabutt" tribe of Cambodia. Lord Buddha traveled though this land, stopping at Ghontararm and Charorarm villages which are located south of the village of Trakarnmeng. Historians relay the words of Lord Buddha saying "In future, part of "Phra Baromsareerikatarth" (Lord Buddha's own ash/bone, ie; Holy Relics) will be here and King Arthitrarthjao will keep safe in the pagoda.
In B.E.1008 (465 AD), the five former monks became hermits in order to study and meditate until they successfully completed Arpinya 5th Samabut 8 ( class of meditation ) while traveling the land as forest monks. They are recorded as being Phra Vasuthep, Phra Sukkatunta, Phra Pumarnsree, Phra Puttachadin and Phra Suddchanarai.
The Queen had four temples built at the Cardinal Directions of the land to protect the city and people. Four hermits were invited to the temple opening ceremonies, and at that time the ”Phra Sukaputtapatima” amulets were created. They made Phra Rod, Phra Perm, Phra Bang, Phra Khong and Phra Liang amulets which were then kept in the four temples, Phra Khongrorsee in the north, Wat Phratoolee in the south, Wat Chetawan in the east and Wat Mahawan in the west. It would be centuries later before these amulets were rediscovered in the ruins of these temples.
There are five distinct pims for this amulet, Pim Yai, Pim Grang, Pim Lek, Pim Tearn and Pim Tor. The first batch of Phra Rod amulets made are over 1,200 years old! Worshippers still regard it as the “Buddha of Escape” as they had superb power and offered the best for protection from disasters. Legend has it the LumPoon Lersi invited one hundred and eight other hermit monks to participate in the ceremonial making of Lumpoon's amulets by bringing four clays, one thousand medicines, herbs, and flowers which were blended, placed into molds, then chanted with spell Khata by the one hundred and eight hermits in a mass blessing ceremony.
These amulets were handed out freely among the soldiers of Thailand. It is to this day a rare and famous amulet from Thailand blessed with strong protection and the oldest amulets in the set of Benjapakee. It is widely accepted among worshippers that they have superb powers of protection from all dangers and disasters, and so came to be called "PhraRod Yard Nirandtarai."
In B.E. 2484 and 2485 (1941 and 1942), Phra Perm, Phra Bang, Phra Khong, Phra Liang were found. All accept the Phra Rod which were the amulets found in the broken Chedi of Wat Mahawan the west temple.
The name "Phra Rod" came from "Narata Rorsee" or "Rorsee Narata" the hermit who found the broken Chedi amulets at Wat Mahawan. Soon after they began being known as "Phra Rod".
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Phra Chao Sua
Another relatively rare amulet, only seven other examples of this amulet were recovered from this estate. Surprisingly, we did not find journal or inventory mention of any of them!Our own research revealed, Phra Chao Sua, translates as “Buddha on a Mountain,” which resonates deeply with the Chinese cultural beliefs intertwined with Feng Shui. In Chinese culture, mountains symbolize strength, stability, and protection. Combined with the image of the Buddha, this takes on an enhanced meaning. In Feng Shui, the surrounding landscape plays a crucial role. Mountains, especially those positioned behind a dwelling, provide “support” to its inhabitants. This strong backing is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and positive energy, ensuring the residents or businesses flourish. The idea of a “Mountain Buddha” becomes a potent emblem of spiritual and material well-being. The placement of a Buddha statue, particularly in this context, is believed to amplify the flow of chi (energy). When this statue is associated with the strength and protection of a mountain, the combined symbolism serves as a powerful tool in Feng Shui practices to harness and optimize positive energies. ~!~
LP Thaud
Luang Phor Thaud amulets are highly desirable among worshippers and collectors alike. Thai belief coincides with one of her journal entries which reads; "here is protection from oneself harm. The image is blessed by many temples and monks over the years. These prayers, still chanted today, enrich every amulet in the world, assuring its power remains intact!"
Luang Pu Thuad amulets are exceptionally regarded for their ability to protect from danger, evil spirits and accidents. Many believe amulets bearing Luang Pu Thuad's image have powers of protection that grants safety in times of distress, especially saving the lives of believers from seemingly accidents.
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Bodhi Tree
Excerpts from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for the most part...
The Bodhi Tree ("tree of awakening"), also called the Mahabodhi Tree, Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or buddhahood circa 500 BCE under this tree. In religious iconography, the Bodhi Tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.The original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama sat is no longer living, but the term "bodhi tree" is also applied to existing sacred fig trees. The foremost example of an existing tree is the Mahabodhi Tree growing at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is often cited as a direct descendant of the original tree. This tree, planted around 250 BCE, is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Other holy bodhi trees with great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Anandabodhi Tree at Jetavana in Sravasti in North India and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both are also believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi Tree.
The Forest Research Institute of India assists in the upkeep of the tree since 2007. Cloning has been considered in 2008. Its sacred leaves can also be bought by pilgrims as mementos. Religious offerings, which would draw insects, were shifted to some distance from the tree.The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (bodhi) while meditating underneath a Ficus religiosa. According to Buddhist texts, the Buddha meditated without moving from his seat for seven weeks (49 days) under this tree. A shrine called Animisalocana cetiya, was later erected on the spot where he sat.
The spot was used as a shrine even in the lifetime of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka the Great was most diligent in paying homage to the Bodhi tree, and held a festival every year in its honour in the month of Kattika. His queen, Tissarakkha, was jealous of the Tree, and three years after she became queen (i.e., in the nineteenth year of Asoka's reign), she cursed the tree to be killed by means of mandu thorns. The tree, however, grew again, and a great monastery was attached to the Bodhimanda called the Bodhimanda Vihara. Among those present at the foundation Kattika the Maha Thupa are mentioned thirty thousand monks from the Bodhimanda Vihara, led by Cittagutta.
In the 7th century CE, Chinese traveler Xuanzang wrote of the tree in detail.
Every time the tree was destroyed, a new tree was planted in the same place.
In 1862 British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham wrote of the site as the first entry in the first volume of the Archaeological Survey of India:
The celebrated Bodhi tree still exists, but is very much decayed; one large stem, with three branches to the westward, is still green, but the other branches are barkless and rotten. The green branch perhaps belongs to some younger tree, as there are numerous stems of apparently different trees clustered together. The tree must have been renewed frequently, as the present Pipal is standing on a terrace at least 30 feet above the level of the surrounding country. It was in full vigour in 1811, when seen by Dr. Buchanan (Hamilton), who describes it as in all probability not exceeding 100 years of age.
However, the tree decayed further and in 1876 the remaining tree was destroyed in a storm. Cunningham says the young scion of the parent tree was already in existence to take its place.
Bodhi Day
On 8 December, Bodhi Day celebrates Buddha's enlightenment underneath the Bodhi Tree. Those who follow the Dharma greet each other by saying, "Budu saranai!" which translates to "may the peace of the Buddha be yours." It is also generally seen as a religious holiday, much like Christmas in the Christian west, in which special meals are served, especially cookies shaped like hearts (referencing the heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi) and a meal of kheer, the Buddha's first meal ending his six-year asceticism.
Bodhi Puja
Bodhi Puja, meaning "the veneration of Bodhi-tree" is the ritual to worship the Bodhi tree and the deity residing on it (Pali: rukkhadevata; Sanskrit; vrikshadevata). It is done by giving various offerings such as food, water, milk, lamps, incense, etc. and chanting the verses of glory of Bodhi tree in Pali. The most common verse is:
"Ime ete mahabodhi lokanathena pujita ahampi te namassami bodhi raja namatthu te."
And that concludes the write for what is certainly a nicely aged vintage Thai Buddhist amulet artifact with an extraordinary provenance that is much nicer than the photographs are able to depict.
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We have been contacted and visited by a number of people who were interested in the items from this estate since our first batch was listed. Among the buyers have been known psychics and practitioners. More than one, after adorning themselves or handling their purchase, stated "this is a woman of power!" Many of our customers, after receiving items from this estate have reported dream contacts and other unexplained phenomenon.
Unusual, authentic Voodoo Priestess Estate piece and at a bargain price!
This is truly a rare opportunity to own anything with attributes to this estate. The majority of this estate is now gone. Most of what we had left, and it was considerable, has been split up and sold to a couple of private, foreign collector practitioners and will never be available to the public again. We made the decision to do this as we have had some pretty strange visits from even stranger individuals and there have been enough unexplained phenomenon going on in the warehouse where her things were kept that many of our employees refused to go in there.
The pieces offered and sold here are some of the few remaining pieces that will ever be offered to the public.
Nice addition to any collection, wardrobe, altar, or decor, displays really well.
Really doesn't get any better than this.
There are 8 photographs, so please give them time to load, and enjoy the listing.
Buyer to pay $13.85 for USPS Insured Ground Advantage (scenic route) Mail with Unreliable Tracking and handling with lagniappe.
Rest assured your order will be carefully packed to withstand the onslaught of the most deranged of Postal Workers.
International Buyers, Please email us for a Shipping Quote.
Payment is due at listing end.
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