A RITUAL DAGGER 'PHUR-BA' Tibet, ca, 16th ct. and earlier L. 25,4 cm Iron, massive, cast in two halves and joined (seam), dagger point attached, bronze. Presumably this ritual dagger is an older dagger made of massive iron, which was (later?) reworked with the faces and the macara head. The three faces show different expressions - peaceful, angry and wrathful. Between the two stylised infinite knots, there is an octagonal shaft with opposing stylised lotus leaves. Below this is the macara head from which the three-edged dagger with the stylised serpents protrudes. Property from the estate of Thomas Marcotty (1930 - 2005) Wear, tip of the blade possible with small repair under the corroded part