Bone carved phurba

The phurba is a ritual triangular knife common in vast territories of Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Japan and others. There is no exact data on the duration of the use of phurba for ritual purposes, but according to references in the annals and finds from excavations it can be established that is has been used at least 3500 years.  

There are multiple ways in which the phurba is used. In many traditions it is used during ritual actions for its protective qualities, keeping the space safe from distortion by dark spirits and protecting the souls of the participants from getting lost. For this reason, before going into deep trance, Nepalese Orthodox Shamans (Jakri) stick the phurba into the ground on their left side to keep dark spirits at a distance.  

Also the phurba can be used as an attribute for healing, using it to expel evil spirits and entities from the human body and as a tool for directing energy and giving blessings.

In the appearance of a phurba there’s a lot of symbolism to be seen. Lengthwise it symbolizes the axis of the world and the three levels of Middleworld, Upperworld and Underworld can be recognized. The three facets of the faces and the blade symbolize all kinds of trinities, like in time (past, present, future) or state (creation, preservation, destruction).

The handle shows the guardian of this phurba and its owner; Vajrakilaya (or Dorje Phurba), a wrathful form of the Buddha Vajrasattva, crowned with the symbol of the vajra (or dorje); a widespread symbol in buddhism and hinduism, which refers to the true nature of the universe and reality; the endless, ultimate emptiness in which all possibilities exist. The word 'dorje' translates both as 'lightning bolt' and as 'diamond'. It is said to destroy all kinds of ignorance and in this way helps in gaining true insights.

The triangular blade is held by the watermonster Makara, symbolizing fierce activity.

This vintage Nepalese phurba is a real masterpiece. It is handcarved from yak bone by an artisan craftsman in Kathmandu. Just look at the attention that has been paid to all the tiniest details. This is truly a work of art.

This phurba is from vintage origin. Therefore it might have some little damages and imperfections that come with age and previous usage, but overall it is in very good condition.

Size; approximately 10 centimeters long, measured without the eyelet. Weight approximately 17 grams.

Only one available.