Ritual dagger "Phur-bu"

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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.