Phurba made of bone with a wrathful protector deity

Characterful phurpa, hand-carved in Nepal from bone and featuring a multi-layered, detailed figure. The handle is formed by a wrathful protective deity: wide-open eyes, an open mouth with fangs, and a crown of small skulls beneath flaming hair define the face. The hands are placed in front of the chest, with a string of skulls hanging below. The back shows a lion's face between finely chased scale and feather patterns. At the transition to the blade sits a makara head with a curled trunk, from whose throat the three-edged blade emerges. A snake in relief winds across each of its surfaces. The phurpa (Sanskrit: kila) is a central ritual implement of Tibetan Buddhism and is primarily associated with the deity Vajrakilaya. Its three edges represent the overcoming of the three poisons of the mind: ignorance, desire, and aversion. As a hand-carved piece made of bone, it displays individual color nuances, from ivory white to honey brown.

Length 31.5 cm · Blade at the widest point 5 cm · Handle yak bone, blade buffalo bone · Hand-carved in Nepal