Phurpa

A1211

From: Tibet

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Phurpa
Object Number A1211
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Tibetan | Buddhist
Provenience Tibet
Period 18th Century | 19th Century
Date Made 18th Century - 19th Century
Section Asian
Materials Bronze | Gilding
Technique Engraved
Iconography Demon | Rope | Vajra
Description

Bronze phurpa, magic dagger. Topped by a bust of a demon wearing a skull girdle and holding out rope and vajra. This dagger was used in rituals to pin down demons. Before each ritual, a priest gives a dagger the powers of the Buddhist universe.

Height 15.6 cm
Length 7.6 cm
Depth 2.3 cm
Credit Line Purchased from Alexander Scott, 1914

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