Phurba – Wood – Nepal

This wooden phurba from Nepal reflects the traditional Himalayan ritual dagger used in Vajrayana Buddhist and shamanic practices. Phurbas are three‑sided ritual daggers associated with Vajrakilaya, used not as weapons but as tools for spiritual transformation, the subduing of obstacles, and anchoring awareness. Sources describe the phurba as a three‑bladed ritual implement used in advanced tantric contexts, symbolizing confrontation with inner negativity rather than physical combat . The multiple faces carved on the top correspond to the wrathful deity heads often found on phurbas, representing protector deities and the transcendence of ignorance. Multi‑head designs are documented as symbols of wisdom, transformation, and protective energy in Tibetan and Nepali ritual art . Wooden phurbas from Nepal are traditionally carved by shamans themselves after long periods of meditation, with the three segments representing the transformation of negative energy into positive force. Antique examples with multiple shaman faces are known from Western Nepal, reinforcing the cultural authenticity of this form . The presence of a red wax export stamp indicates that the piece was legally exported, a common requirement for Himalayan ritual objects to certify compliance with cultural heritage regulations. Provenance: Franco Rimoldi, Darmstadt (Germany)

Object:	Phurba
Ethnic group:
Country:	Nepal
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	23x3x3 cm
Weight:	50 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear