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Ritual DAGGER called Phurbu
Tibet
End of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century
Wood and fabric
H .: 26; L .: 4; Thickness: 3 cm
This shiny patina wooden dagger is composed of a short three-sided "blade" ending in a point. Each of the sides is engraved with a couple of intertwined naga snakes, the head facing the top of the dagger.
The handle is occupied by a figure standing with short feet resting on a fluted capital. His legs are individualized, his shoulders straight and angular, he holds his hands in namaste. He is dressed in a short belted garment and wearing a visor headgear. Her oval-shaped face features large round pupils, high cheekbones, finely crafted lips and detailed ears.
This phurbu retains its colorful fabric ties tied around the neck.
The phurbu are linked to Buddhist beliefs. Indeed, the three sides of the blade refer to the destruction of ignorance, attachment and aversion but also to the mastery of the three times and the three worlds. These ritual daggers also had the ability to be able to nail demons.
Ref: 4PJ34Z6D72