A Himalayan Gilt Bronze Garuda Form Vajrakila Phurba

Tibet or Nepal, 19th century, cast in bronze with traces of gilt, the ritual dagger formed as a Garuda figure adorned with wings and having three faces with two hands in anjali mudra at the center and four additional arms holding attributes at its side, surmounting a tapering triangular blade which descends to a sharply pointed terminal, attached at the waist are textile streamers and consecration cords from its previous ritual use.

9 3/4 x 5 x 3 in.

Phurba daggers were employed in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist ceremonies to symbolically pin and subdue obstructive forces, transforming negative energies into enlightened wisdom. The dynamic iconography and layered symbolism reflect the syncretic esoteric traditions shared across Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

Rubbing and wear with surface loss consistent with age and use.