Ritual dagger "Phur-bu"

Ritual dagger phur bu, 18th -19th century
Central Asia, Tibet
Bronze
Wise Collection
Donated by the University of Dundee, 1993
Museum number 1993-349
This ritual dagger was used in Tantric rites of Tibetan Buddhism. The three heads are of Hayagriva, the wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteswara. The Bodhisattva's compassion transforms into a fierce energy that compels followers to overcome internal obstacles.