Antique wooden phurba from Nepal. Artisan handcarved, with some small imperfections and damages due to its age and previous usage, but overall still in good condition. Around the handle are still the remains of old fabric, given to this phurba (as consecration/empowerment/blessing) by its previous owner.
Design characteristics:
Pommel: a three-faced Vajrakilaya, with three neutral facial expressions. And on top of his crown, also a very nicely carved bird can be seen, representing most likely a Golden Eagle, a type of eagle living high above the treeline in the Himalayas, in extreme circumstances with low oxygen levels, thin air density, hurricane-strength winds and frigid temperatures that would be unbearable for other species. Living in these sacred heights on the Roof of the World, the Golden Eagle is a symbol of connection between heaven and earth and represents freedom and divinity. Handle: a combination of a vajra (dorje) symbol and some variations of the shrivatsa (endless knot) symbol. Blade: intertwined naga's facing upwards and kalasha (ritual water vessel), sun & moon symbols. The blade is held by an abstract representation of the mythical watermonster Makara.
This phurba has a length of 29 centimeters and weighs 93 grams.
Read more about the design, symbolism and usage of the phurba in the general description of the webshop-collection "Ritual Attributes; Phurba's".
