Tharus, superstitions and a jackal’s horn

I never imagined it would be such a useful item when I clicked the image of a jackal’s horn.

Tharus have a strong belief in dhamis and baidhwas (the shamans). In evil powers and spirits. According to Tharus the horn, actually muscles, protrudes out on the lead jackal’s head like a wart when it is howling in packs during a full moon night.

Indian golden jackal at Koshi Tappu Reserve. Image from Flickr by Michael Bamford. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The hunter, after killing the jackal, keeps the so-called horn in a silver casket containing vermillion. It is believed that a person owning a jackal’s horn never loses in gambling and the horn wards off the evil spirits. Some also believe that the horn brings with it immense wealth, victory over enemies, success in ventures and examinations, and grants invulnerability to the bearer in lawsuits. The Tharus believe that the owner is able to see in the dark and seduce women.    

While the horn sellers claim they obtained it from the leader of a jackal pack, they deceive the buyers by selling a false one – one made out of molar tooth of jackal or dog, inserted through a small hole in jackal’s skin. They smear blood or turmeric around the area to make it look natural.

So are you convinced with my belting out so far? I am not a believer of superstitions and would advise you too not to believe those nonsensical sayings.

However, if you want to have a look at the precious image of a so-called jackal’s horn, here’s the rare item.