Old wooden phurba from Nepal. Artisan handcarved masterpiece, in very good condition. Around the handle are still the remains of an old cord, given to this phurba (as consecration/empowerment/blessing) by its previous owner.
Design characteristics:
Pommel: a three-faced Vajrakilaya, with three different facial expressions; wrathful, peaceful and joyful. And on top of his crown, also a meticulously 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: some variations of the shrivatsa (endless knot) symbol. Blade: intertwined naga's facing upwards and symbols of a kalasha (ritual water vessel), trident and an abstract carving of a face (perhaps an extra guardian spirit?). The blade is held by an abstract representation of the mythical watermonster Makara.
This phurba has a length of 31 centimeters and weighs 124 grams.
Read more about the design, symbolism and usage of the phurba in the general description of the webshop-collection "Ritual Attributes; Phurba's".
