Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. This is a fantastic ceremonial yak or bovine bone dagger known as a phurba or a magic dagger to subjugate demons, intricately carved into the traditional form of a three-sided stake for Buddhist rituals. The elaborate multi-tiered handle consists of a vajra (also dorje) a ribbed bulb shape, atop a ringa crown and a register of human skulls that create a headdress for a janiform wrathful deity, Vajrakila. The deity is set atop a pair of bulbous lotus petals and interwoven knotwork bands. Just above the blade is a mythical makara head- the open jaws issuing snakes that intertwine down the blade. The three faces of the blade symbolize the phurba's power to cut through and positively transform negative energies known as the "three poisons" - attachment, aversion, and ignorance. Remains of white and golden pigments highlight the deity and makara's features, and a lustrous brown patina has developed across the surface. Size: 11.5" L x 1.125" W (29.2 cm x 2.9 cm)

Phurbas are known to symbolize peace and stability and are thought to keep demons in their place. Only shamans or special individuals empowered to use a phurba are permitted to wield it in ritualistic ceremonies. The blade on the phurba is never actually sharp, as it is a ritual dagger rather than a weapon intended to bring about destruction. Padmasambhava is widely regarded as the inventor of the phurba. In the 8th century, Padmasambhava used the phurba to consecrate the ground when he established the Samye monastery. Interestingly, tents have always played significant roles in Tibet as Tibet has always been a nomadic culture and inserting tent pegs has been interpreted as sacrificing the earth. Hence, the shape of the phurba may derive from the stake used to secure tents.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169799

Intact and very good with only minor chips and nicks to high pointed areas and tip of blade. Dark brown patina throughout and remains of pigments on faces and skulls.