A RITUAL DAGGER 'PHUR-BA' Tibet, ca. 12th ct. L. 32 cm Bronze and iron, as a staff continuous to the upper end of the handle. The Phur-ba deity is three-faced, the face turned to the front looks angry, the right one behind looks wrathful and the left one peaceful. The eyes of the two wrathful and peaceful faces were inlaid with silver. All three heads wear a single-pointed diadem, and earrings. Instead of the fivefold crown of the five Tathagatas, their heads appear en miniature above the heads arranged all around. Below the heads of the deity are two infinity knots and between them a nine-rayed diamond sceptre, all of which together form the handle. At its lower end appears the head of a sea monster (makara) with a triple blade protruding from its mouth. Property from the estate of the collection of Thomas Marcotty (1930 - 2005) Wear, traces of age