The kartika is a flaying, crescent-shaped knife or chopper. In Tibetan iconography it is mostly seen in the hands of female wrathful deities, such as the dakini's. The typical crescent-shaped form is derived from the traditional form of Indian butcher knives, but can for example also be seen in the typical skinning knife used by Inuit women.
The kartika is especially used in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies and rituals, such as the Chöd ritual. It symbolizes the severance from all material and worldly bonds and chops up the ego-centered self.
The hook-shape on one end of the crescent symbolizes the 'hook of compassion'. It is this hook that pulls souls out of the eternal karmic cycles of death and rebirth.
The kartika is often seen with a handle in the shape of a dorje or double dorje, one of the symbols most common in the iconography of Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan word ‘dorje’ consists of two parts; ‘do’ which means ‘stone’ and ‘rje’ which translates as ‘noble’, ‘prince’ or ‘lord’. Overall it can thus be translated as ‘noble stone’ or ‘Lord of the Stones’. The Sanskrit word for it is ‘vajra’, which translates both as 'lightning bolt' and as 'diamond'.
In Tibetan Buddhist practice, the dorje commonly forms a ritual pair with the bell (‘ghanta’). In this combination, the dorje is traditionally held in the right hand. Items held in the right hand in Tibetan Buddhist practice, symbolize the masculine principle of compassion-in-action; skilful action to accomplish compassionate intents.
The dorje is such an active attribute. It has the indestructible properties of a diamond and the force of a thunderbolt. It supports in (to state it quite simple) cutting through the crap of the mind; finding a clear path through the diversions of the 'monkey-mind' and ego-chatter, seeing what's real and what's not. The dorje is said to destroy all kinds of ignorance and in this way helps in gaining true insights.
The dorje supports the (ritual) actions that can be done with the kartika, making sure they are done with diamond clarity.
To the dorje handle of this kartika a traditional Tibetan banner of multi-layered silk brocade with tassels has been attached. The multi-colored, shiny and elaborate applique of such a banner represents the auspicious blessings of the jewels of the dharma being sent forth as multi-colored rainbow light. This typical style of fabric usage can be found in many different applications in Himalayan regions; as a small banner in amulets or as handle for ritual attributes such as this one, but also in much bigger items such as the meters-long "shambu" wall decorations or the high "chukor" ceiling hangings in temples and monasteries.
This kartika is from vintage origin and shows some signs of its age and previous usage. For example; the brocade banner has been a bit crumpled from being stored in a small box for some time (this might probably be straigtened again by for example wettening it and drying it flat again)
Sizes; the kartika is approximately 9 centimeters wide and 9 centimeters high (including the dorje handle). Weight is 136 grams.
