Antique wooden phurba from Nepal. Artisan handcarved masterpiece with very elaborate carvings. Please look closely at the pictures to observe the condition of this item; due to its age and previous usage, there are some imperfections and damages to it. This one should be handled with great care and preferably be used as an altarpiece (instead of an actively handled weapon).
On multiple places around this phurba, there are still the remains of old fabric, that was given to it(as blessing/empowerment/consecration) by its previous owner. Also traces of red powder (ochre or vermillion powder) can be seen on it. This powder is used during rituals of activation, empowerment, blessing and/or honoring of the phurba.
Design characteristics:
Pommel: a three-faced Vajrakilaya, with three different facial expressions; peaceful, wrathful and joyful. And on top of the three-faced deity, also more beautiful carved figurines can be seen; a fierceful being, most likely representing Bhairab (a wrathful manifestation of Shiva), riding on top of two animals. Handle: a combination of the vajra (dorje) symbol with some variations of the shrivatsa (endless knot) symbol. Blade: The blade is held by an abstract representation of the mythical watermonster Makara. On the blade there are intertwined naga's facing upwards. The tip of the blade has been wrapped around with metal, making it easier to stick this phurba into the ground.
It has a length of 40 centimeters and weighs 270 grams.
Read more about the design symbolism and usage of the phurba in the general description of the webshop-collection "Ritual Attributes; Phurba's".
