A large Tibetan gilt bronze ritual dagger called Phurba. Phurba is used in Buddhism mainly by shamans. The dagger has three main symbols: at the bottom of the handle is a set of three faces representing the god of anger, the triangular blade serves to control the three senses: anger, affection, and ignorance. Along the junction line of the blades, an image of snakes is applied, symbolizing the kundalini energy concentrated at the base of the spine and present in a dormant, unrefined state. The pommel is decorated with a horse head, the symbol of the Buddhist protector Hayagriva (Tamdin).

Dimensions: L: 15 in., (38.1 cm.)