Ritual DAGGER called Phurbu

Highlands Region, Nepal

Late 19th – early 20th century

Wood and fabric

H.: 25; L.: 4.5 cm

This wooden dagger with a shiny patina is composed of a short "blade" with three sides and ending in a point. Each side is animated by zoomorphic figures: a couple of intertwined naga serpents surmounted by an avian figure, a snake on which the same bird stands, and, for the third side, a trident of Shiva.

The handle is occupied by three faces of Mahakala and a figure seated in namaste on what appears to be an altar.

This phurbu retains its colored fabric ribbons attached to the top of the handle.

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 daggers, used during Himalayan rituals, also had the ability to nail demons.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. LP: 3209