Antique Burmese Weizza Mercury Bronze and similar items

~ Voodoo Priestess Estate ~ Grandmother's Antique Burmese Weizza Mercury Bronze Reclining Ho-Tei Buddha, Opium Den Weight Poppy Demon Shrine circa 1830 - Gullah Dr. Buzzard's Gift A Master Suite Find ~!~ It has now been just over twenty-three 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 disturbing. There was no feeling of dread or unwelcome in the mansion, however there was quite a bit of contraband and other items we can or will not sell here. This is one of a few items 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 lot from this estate, complying with the terms set forth to us by the estate's attorney. ~!~ Some Back Story Her Master Suite contained two alcove sitting room shrines, each was dedicated to her mother (Marie Glapion) and grandmother (Marie Laveau) which she and those associated with this estate, considered to be haunted by the mistresses, which her journals frequently allude to. This antique Reclining Ho-Tei Buddha was used as an opium weight and is one of the thirty-four assorted lead, bronze and iron amulets and opium weights that were used with the named, "Poppy Demon Shrine" shown below and sold last year. These were recovered from grandmother's alcove which the letters, journals and inventory of this estate tell us were given to her grandmother by a man they name as Gullah Dr. Buzzard of New Orleans in 1930 who stole the shrine, along with its weights, from a San Francisco opium den he had visited. All were recovered from this alcove and we will be offering them individually and in lots, so please stay tuned, She tells a fascinating tale of this Dr. Buzzard visiting grandmother with these gifts and their tell, as told to her by her mother, Marie Glapion. The owner of the San Francisco opium establishment was a Chinese sorcerer who Dr Buzzard had seen at this shrine, "invoking The Poppy Demon with the little ducks." What he witnessed caused him to covet these items and conceal them in his cloak on the way out, gleeful in the fact that stealing them increased their power. This idea of stolen articles of magic increasing in power is frequently found in many cultures. Dr Buzzard Her journals first mention a South Carolina Sea Islander Root Man named "Dr. Buzzard," in reference to her mother's death bed visit to him in 1872. Her entries make it apparent that there were numerous ?Dr. Buzzard's? that not only she, but her mother and grandmother before her had contact with during their lives, thirty four of them to be exact, but many of these may have been the same man and certainly their sons, but it is the entries from her mother's journals that mention the first of them. Her inventory entries regarding a handful of Asian artifacts her mother also obtained from a Dr. Buzzard indicate he had traveled throughout Asia twice in his lifetime and had made acquaintances in numerous American Chinatowns. Many descendant's of these Dr. Buzzard's are mentioned in her entries, along with their apprentices, many of whom went by the same name. All were assuredly root workers who followed in that original Dr. Buzzard's footsteps, but making them nearly impossible to identify and attribute. Our own research, and a foray into the Islands of the Carolina's revealed these people did, and do exist. We interviewed seven current day (2008) Dr. Buzzard's, and two of them each had three ritual implements and charms they showed us. They described them as being made from the remains of the original Dr. Buzzard. The description of the funeral rights of Dr. Buzzard and the comparable three bone artifacts in our possession compose nine of the twelve repurposed remains of the original Dr. Buzzard. ~!~ The Opium Poppy Demon and its Invocation Her journal entries list, "Poppy Demon Invocation" for use in, "Chasing the Dragon." This is described as a ritual and social practice of soaking a measured (weighed) ball of opium in absinthe, placing it on an offering spoon, then pouring a small amount of absinthe in the spoon to,"saute the ball of dope" before it would be smoked either in a pipe or by heating the spoon and inhaling the smoke through a pipe. Although done socially at their in house lounge, they would also, "Chase the Dragon" in a religious invocation of "The Poppy Demon." Using this shrine with these weights along with polished reflective surfaces, they would materialize apparitions of this demon during, "ceremonial use in calling the demon spirits into this world," claiming they were able to summon what they called it's, "Spirit Guides justifiably described as Poppy Demons." There are numerous journal entries concerning this and their use of opium and absinthe induced meditations, one of which reads "androgynous energies well suited as in dream work, shielding one from dream attack and nightmares. Used in communication, they are as a conduit with their realms and are soothing to the eye and spirit." She also makes numerous entries concerning these sessions attracting, "a good number of life energies and manifestations that will linger in the reflections." Later entries urge caution in making eye contact with unknown apparitions and caution the use of this invocation by "the feint of heart and inexperienced." We take her word for this and real or imagined, we certainly understand why she and her associates was as feared and respected as they were. ~!~ Antique Burmese Weizza Mercury Bronze Reclining Ho-Tei Buddha Opium Den Weight According to her journals, she discontinued use of the shrine in the late 1940's, replacing it with two others for their use. It was then relegated to grandmother's alcove, the exterior of which became storm damaged, most likely during Hurricane Andrew. Although the shrine was damaged, we do not believe it was damaged by the storm. The shrine and aforementioned thirty-four weights are some of the few pieces recovered from this area. There are numerous mentions in their journals and letters, cautioning the use and storage of these artifacts. Apparently they have a habit of acting on their own and creating a creature akin to a Tokoloshe (a dwarf like water spirit). Hence, no photos of them together with the shrine which has already been sold with one of the weights. Her journals and inventory name this one as an, "Antique Burmese Weizza Mercury Bronze Reclining Ho-Tei Buddha Opium Den Weight" as the title implies. Apparently the proprietor of the den was a Weizza, most likely in exile as they name him in numerous crimes, including murder. They also name him as one of the maker's of some of these weights in his collection. Once again we come to missing and/ or damaged ledgers which told us more of these people and later interactions with them Our own research revealed; Weizza From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for the most part... A weizza or weikza is an immortal, supernatural wizarding mystic in Buddhism of Burma associated with esoteric and occult practices such as recitation of spells, samatha, mysticism and alchemy. The goal of this practice is to achieve immortality and the state of the Weizza, who awaits the appearance of the future Buddha, Metteya. Weikza practices are less common than merit-making practices or vipassana meditation. During the socialist era from 1962 to 1988, Ne Win banned secret weizza associations, weizza magazines and literature, and portrayals of weizza from films and other media, considering them a threat to his regime. Weizza have made a resurgence since 1988, particularly following the abolition of the national censorship board in 2012. Burmese pagodas often house weizza shrines, where they are venerated for their spiritual purity and their devotion to those in need. Weizza teachers have also amassed hundreds of thousands of followers using social media. Etymology The word weizza comes from the Pali word vijja, which means ?knowledge? or ?wisdom? and is distantly related to the English word "wizard." Weizzas in the Historical Tradition Famous Yogis and Wizards from Myanmar Aside from epigraphs, there are no local Indic or vernacular compositions that have been securely dated to pre-Pagan Burma. However, there are some later attributions of texts that were written during the first millennium. One such example is the Kappala kara, a vijjadhara ("weikza") text said to have been written by the bhikkhu Uttamasiri during the first century CE. The text survives in an 18th-century Pali-Burmese nissaya version (which attributes the text to Uttamasiri in its colophon) compiled by Taungdwin Sayadaw Ña abhidhammala kara. In Myanmar, there are two classes of wizards; the sons and the weizzas. The former are considered a bane to society, while the latter spend their days helping the common folk and undoing the curses brought upon by the sons. The commonly known weizzas known today first appeared during the Konbaung dynasty, when Bo Bo Aung, a monk in Sagaing, discovered manuscripts revealing the secrets of weizza. However, many recognized weizzas today come from before the Konbaung dynasty. This was the last dynasty to rule Burma before colonial rule. Before weizzas, there were the Zawgyi and Yawgi. The Zawgyi were wizards who were written about in Burmese literature, while the Yawgi were Buddhist yogis who lead ascetic lives and wore brown robes. They followed eight to ten precepts of Buddhism, whereas most laymen follow five. Weizzas are divided into four major orders: The Pyada Weizza, who work with mercury, the Than Weizza, who work with iron, the Se Weizza, who specialize in medicine and the In Weizza, who specialize in yantra signs and squares. Among these, the Than and In are considered the most powerful. The Pyada Weizza, or Mercury Wizards, also study alchemy in order to produce gold and silver from more common metals. The Than Weizzas are considered by their followers as masters of not only their subject, but also as medical advisers. Purported Abilities Among their powers, weizzas possess the ability to see past lives, see and hear things that are far away, read minds, teleport, dive into the earth, walk on water, and be in multiple places simultaneously. Powerful practitioners of the weizzas? way are purported to live for centuries, even choosing the time of their next reincarnation. The In Weizza, who work with cabalistic squares, use one's birth date and time to create powerful charms and spells. In The Burman, Sir J. George Scott described some squares and charms so powerful that they could set a house ablaze. Others, engraved in stone and embedded in one's skin, would prevent drowning. Merely scratching an in in a house or tree could cause lightning to strike it. Weizza Grimoires Two traditional manuscripts contain rudimentary guidelines on the practices of weizzas: the Bedin and the Deitton. The latter is a book on astrology and cabalistic science. Containing just basic principles of the art of weizzas, the teachings in these texts are often surpassed by the weizza's own individual study and personal advancement. However, these books were once complete, many having been burned by religious zealots in the time of the last Buddha. The remains were spared from the fire by Devadatta, the cousin of Shin Gautama. Devadatta was always plotting against Shin Gautama, so he saved portions of the old science. Thus, this style of learning is looked upon with suspicion by many religious folk. Medical Remedies Weizza prescriptions may be composed of chili powder, cloves, and ginger for fevers to earth-oil infused with seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, roots, and minerals. Weizzas are specially adept with pills and powders, which are carried in bright red phials made of heavily scented bamboo. These ingredients are gathered with attention to the phases of the moon and placement of the constellations. Another potent ingredient in the weizza's cabinet is meteoric stones, which can be gathered within three days of lightning striking a piece of earth and are used as ophthalmic medicine. Weizzas seldom use liquids in their practice of medicine. Medical Philosophies Two schools of thought exist in weizza medicine: The datsayas, whose primary focus is on diets and the beindawsayas, who work with potent drugs In both schools, the human body is divided into four elements (dats): earth (patawi dat), fire (tezaw dat), water (apaw dat), and air (wayaw dat). Some practitioners also include ether (akatha), though this element is disregarded by doctors. Earth: the flesh, bones, hair, intestines, etc. Fire: eating, drinking, chewing, and licking. Water: the fat, blood, bile, spittle, mucus, etc. Air: the six kinds of winds. Modern Perception of Weizzas Weizza following still exists in Myanmar, though the socialist government during the Ne Win era suppressed this ideology. The former government forbade the publication of weizza materials and selling of weizza prints, which are popular in household altars. Even so, weizza followers abound. There exist exclusive groups of weizza devotees called gaing. These groups follow a set of tenets, are headed by a charismatic leader, and center their devotion on one or more weizza saints. A list of Notable Weizzas Bo Bo Aung Bo Min Gaung Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw Yatkansin Taung Sayadaw Setkya Mintha ~!~ Mercury Bronze Many of those associated with this estate were no strangers to alloys containing mercury. One regional alchemic alloy called Mekapat had already been brought to the estate. This is an ancient recipe for material used to make sacred objects. It was made by alloying lead, LekLai, copper, cave minerals, herbs, mercury, silver, gold, etc. or any combination thereof. It is said to be holy material that once hardened into its permanent shape begins a maturing process of supernatural power. Already powerful at birth, it becomes stronger with age and these amulets are well known to protect one from bodily harm or mishaps. ~!~ Reclining Ho-Tei Buddha We believe these weights were made by three associated Weizza, one of which was the opium den owner in San Francisco exile. They were used to weigh precious metals, opium and other ingredients they used in their practices which included spell casting and invocations. This is a rare depiction in the form of an opium weight. It measures approximately 1 9/16" x 5/8" x 3/4" and weighs 36 grams. This image presents approximately 20% of its area with bronze disease that will eventually consume it in an overall green bronze patina. It is described as crystalline mold growth, Naga Buddha Dust and sne kbouddhadast! Curious, we did some research on the regional manufacturing process or anything pertaining to this as a Holy Relic. We came up with nothing. Mentioned to one of our initial researchers, he brought reference to some journal entries where this was referred to as, "Naga Buddha Dust" being his translation from the French of her actual entry of "sne kbouddhadast," a recurring word in her journals pertaining to religious imagery and root work. It is referenced as, "the name to be used in his mantra to produce the swooning powder." But as of yet, we have not found any description of its being harvested or used. If appears to be calcium based and if we had more time, we might experiment with this, but we urge you caution in this without more information which is too lengthy to be included here. We believe there is strong indication that they did indeed harvest this and use in their Mojo Hands which is described in further detail below. ~!~ The Reclining Buddha A reclining Gautama depicts an event in the life of the Buddha, their journals properly state in one instance; "This is Gautama preaching to the giant." There are some differences in the meaning of the Reclining Buddha. Much is indicated by the position of his right arm. When positioned supporting the head, as in this depiction, it signifies Gautama at rest, and relates to the legend of his meeting with the giant Asurindarahu who wished an audience with the Buddha but did not want to bow down before him. The Buddha appeared larger than the giant while laying down, and from this position, showed him all of heaven and all of the heavenly figures that were larger than the giant, thus humbling him. This is a major iconographic theme in Buddhist art representing the historical Buddha during his last illness and about to enter the parinirvana. This pattern emerged at the same time as other representations of the Buddha in the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara. Reclining Buddha depictions are frequently very large, and this is most likely related to the significance of size in this story. This is also the Buddha imagery that represents Tuesday. This however, is not an image of the Gautama Buddha, but that of the Ho-tei Buddha for which there are no corresponding events. ~!~ HoTei Buddha He is actually not a Buddha, but a Chinese Buddhist she nearly always referred to as, "Pu-Tai" in her journal entries. He is known as the Laughing Buddha or Happy Buddha, and is known as Hotei in Japan and Pu-Tai in China. He embodies the ideals of good life such as health, happiness, prosperity and longevity. This represents the later Buddhist notions that the good life was indeed attainable in this world. It consists of self-mastery, a happy demeanor, purposeful endeavor, a deep commitment to the welfare of others and enlightened awareness. Experts believe the Laughing Buddha is a historical figure and refer to the fat wandering Zen monk named Pu-tai. He is described as obese with a wrinkled or protruding forehead and rotund protruding belly which he left uncovered. Wherever he went, he carried a pu-tai or cloth-bag. Thus he became known as Pu-tai Hoshang or hemp-bag monk. Legend has it, the bag was full of candy for children. Over the centuries, Buddhist notions of happiness based on self-mastery and enlightened insight were fused with popular Chinese life-ideals of happiness through material prosperity, thus today the hemp sack may be interpreted as filled with gold, happiness, health, and other aspects of abundance. Her journals go on to tells us, "he is the Spiritual, Dragon Journey Money Buddha in his finest robes, his image itself bears auguries of luck and prosperity. Although we do not see his sack or his japa mala about his neck to collect insights and understanding. All are missing in this depiction which leads one of our resident experts to believe this is a reclining fat monk or perhaps a Weizza known to the maker. It is the only one of its kind that we have ever encountered! Money Draw MoJo Hand This was thought of and worshipped as a Happy Buddha known to be a perfect remedy to combat bad luck which comes in the form of financial losses and mishaps. In another entry she tells us, " He makes for a powerful charm which lends his spirit of abundance and wealth which is well suited to rootworked spirit bags." In a series of entries She writes; "nothing brings greater joy to this Buddha than to see worries, problems, and sadness transform into happiness. He symbolizes happiness, wealth, and joy. Simply gazing upon his imagery provokes joy. And, by rubbing his stomach or head, releases the abundance of wealth he contains." "As it brings prosperity and luck and to such a wide area, due to his auspicious rotund tummy, he is ideal for use as a house shrine. He resides in nearly every Chinese household and business throughout the world. The Laughing Buddha of Wealth is a living embodiment of the spirit of all of the prayers he receives that we will embody in the root worked spirit bag, our Mojo Hands." "An auspicious being whose presence in the home attracts wealth and luck." "Light a candle and rub his belly, best is to light two and rub twice! Chant the 23rd. Psalm with a specific petition of prayer" "I have been told it is odd to chant Christian prayer as spell mantra to a non Christian deity! But I beg to differ, like all prayers from the book, they contain magic they do not perceive, but they are no different than most. When uttering the 23rd. Psalm with devotional intent to this Buddha at money altar, he, in that instance is the Lord mentioned of the prayer." "Many of us religious folk use Catholic Saint, Hindu, and Buddhist Deity imagery with root, candle-burning, prayer. Gather, develop and use the knowledge that, tantra puja, Kabbalistic, ritual, folk-magic, Santeria and spell-work offers." "What I prescribe to you was gifted to me by my Mama, and Grand Mama before her. Mama was the first to use the Buddha on a money shrine, a practice she learned from a Buddhist Root Doctor and Spiritual Worker of the Carolina coast, who used these images on his Wealth and Prosperity Altars." "His finery calls for the dressing of his candles, so dress them for your petitions. Whether this be prosperity, money-drawing, or stay with me. Use incense and oils as well. If you petition your needs will be addressed." "the 23rd. Psalm is considered an all around basic prayer to many. Yet see the verses which contain the words that speak to prosperity and abundance. I shall not want, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, My cup runneth over, Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." "In addition to what I give you, place personal symbolization with which to visualize wealth. Cash or coin, a simple piggy bank, gemstone jewelry, whatever will help your visualization of your own to draw money and prosperity." She prescribes a series of, "Spirit Bags" or "Mojo Hands" as she alternately refers to what is known as Mojo Bags, of sorts, in Voodoo Root Work. Some of the journal entries in which she refers to their use read; "A flat top box which is known to you on which to sit him and contain one or both of a Money Drawing Mojo Hand when they are not being carried, or fed." "Simple fruit and water offerings to the Buddha in thanks for his blessings, must be renewed daily." "the candles and bags are fixed, this fixing is so much more than some stuff in a bag. It has been party to specific ritual that began with the assemblage of ingredients and grew during the filling of the bags and dressing of the candles. Awakened to life, it now sleeps and awaits you." "To bring it to life and bind this presence to you, simply place a drop of whiskey and a drop of your urine or saliva to each of the bags and dry them with the candle or incense smoke. It is now, as you do this, that you repeat the 23rd. Psalm until the fluid has dried. It is upon this that all hinges." "She goes on to tell us to keep these "Hands fed" this process must be repeated, "to keep the spirit alive." "Here are Mojo Hands for widows who tend to need enhancement of their personal power which is easily achieved through the use of these charm amulets. So they have been prescribed through spelled ritual to bring favor to their endeavors." "These are in short, flannel or market velour, color coded pouches, a staple amulet in many cultures. Yours contain nine magical items. These are your mojuba hands, your hands of magic, MoJo Hands, prayer bags offering homage and petition for use in candle burning magic." These notes are a rare insight, and far too lengthy to publish here, but we will be more than happy to assist with them to the those, "who embody the spirit of these Mojo Hands." ~!~ Please read this description carefully and feel free to ask any questions you may have. We have extensive experience with these charms and they are all they are cracked up to be. We find no need to elaborate further All of this is just a small portion of what you need to know of the history of these charms and the magic spells associated with them. Worshipper?s attribute them with providing good luck, fortune, wealth, prevention from accidental injury, success at business, changing bad luck to good luck, aiding them in overcoming obstacles in life, enhancing metta (loving kindness, charm), protection from black magic, evil and negative influence. In addition to that they are beautiful conversation pieces that often lead to opportunity. Can't ask for much more than that! ~!~ We only unwrapped these items for the photo sessions and no one has attempted to use them since they were recovered from this estate. It is certainly an unusual antique Asian artifact with an extraordinary provenance, that is much nicer then the photographs have been able to depict. ~!~ 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 clients, 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 or decor, displays really well. Really doesn't get any better than this. There are 10 photographs below to tell the rest of this tale. Buyer to pay $5.85 for Insured Ground Shipping with Tracking, handling and lagniappe. We Combine Shipping. Rest assured your order will be carefully packed to withstand the onslaught of the most deranged of parcel carriers. International Buyer's, Please email us for a Shipping Quote. Payment is due at listing end. Text and Photos Copyright 2001-2025 bushidobuce, all rights reserved. ~!~ Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution