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Original Tibetan Phurba or Kila in bronze and fabric, late 19th or early 20th century. The handle of ritual dagger represents Mahakala. The protector is represented with three heads two wings and four arms, two of them with another Phurba hanging of a cow head (probably of yak) under this there are three couple of plaited snakes, one for each blade. In the other two arms two bands of red fabric, upon his head a little cord. The Phurba or Kila is a ritual dagger rich of symbols, the most potent of wrathful ritual implements in Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolizes the Karma activity of the Buddha. The tantric use of the Phurba encompasses the curing of disease, exorcism, killing demons, meditation, consecrations (puja), and weather-making, according to Tantra in the Himalayas. The blade of the Phurba is used for the destruction of demonic powers. The top end of the Phurba is used by the tantrikas for blessings. 10.83 x 8.27 x 3.54 inches (27.5 x 21 x 9 cm), 1.9 kg. PROVENANCE: Private collection, Italy