Set of four ritual wooden phurba daggers - Tibet

Description

Rare set of four wooden phurbas from Tibet - each richly detailed with symbolic carving patterns and clear traces of ritual use. A characterful set for collectors of Himalayan art.

Origin & meaning
The phurba (also called kila) is a ritual dagger from Vajrayana Buddhism. It served not to physically injure, but to symbolically "pin down" negative energy and overcome the three poisons (ignorance, attachment, hatred). The triangular blade and (multi)sided faces refer to protective deities such as Vajrakilaya. This set comes from a private collection (Castricum) and shows variation in iconography and signs of use; one specimen bears red cotton ribbons indicating active ceremonial use.

Dimensions & condition

• Dagger 1: 25 cm long, Ø 4.5 cm - dark wood, tightly carved, good condition.
• Dagger 2: 27 cm long, Ø 3.5 cm - red cotton wrapping, nice patina; textile frayed by age.
• Dagger 3: 26 cm long, Ø 5 cm - deep carving (including pendulum/strand motifs), slight edge and point wear.
• Dagger 4: 31 cm long, Ø 4 cm - older patina, obvious signs of use, small drought cracks and wear at tip.

General condition: natural patina with traces of age and ritual use; light wear and a few drying cracks appropriate to its age.