Phur bu, three-sided Buddhist ritual dagger

Mongolian Collection

Accession Nr.: 76.20.1
Type: metalwork; religious/ritual equipment
Date of production:
19th century
Place of production:
Materials: copper
Techniques: cast
Dimensions: height: 20.3 cm
This three-edges ritual dagger was used for malefic rituals. It was casting in one piece from copper. The three-edges dagger starts in the mouth of Makar, and snake s is rolling on it. Above the blade there is a head with half vajra, thus the deity of the phurbu is identified as Mahakala.