AN EARLY RITUAL DAGGER 'PHUR-BA' Tibet, ca. 12th ct. L. 21,5 cm Bronze and iron; as a staff continuous to the upper end of the handle, the three-faced head is attached. The head of the Phur-ba deity shows three different expressions. Above the three heads are apparitions of the five Tathagatas, covered by an umbrella of honour. Below the heads, an openwork infinite knot forms the upper part of the handle. Below this is an octagonal shaft with opposing, indicated lotus leaves. At the bottom is another knot whose mesh is closed. From this emerges the macara head and the three-edged dagger. From the estate of the collection of Thomas Marcotty (1930-2005), published in Marcotty: "Phurpa - Magisches Dolchritual aus Tibet", Fabri Verlag, Ulm, 1997, p. 91 The trunk of the sea monster is partly damaged, wear