Phurba (Kila) - Lot 43

Phurba (Kila) Tibet circa 14th-15th centuries Iron and gilded copper alloy. H. 32 cm An important ritual dagger featuring the classical three-sided iron blade associated with the element of fire, appearing to emerge from the mouth of a makara makara, a fantastic animal with aquatic connotations, as well as the snakes that run down each side of the blade. The handle itself follows the structure of two rows of opposing lotus petals set between two endless endless knots (Shrivatsa). At the top are the classic three-sided Vakrakila, Legend credits Padmasambhava with introducing the phurba to Tibet. Used in a variety of rituals, these daggers have a stabilizing but essentially destructive role, with the aim of eliminating all obstacles, internal or external obstacles. When the practitioner holds the dagger in his hands, he enters into total identification with the Vajrakila deity. Provenance : - Collection of Dr. P.M.