Phurba (ritual dagger)

NameRitual dagger

CultureTamang

DateEarly - mid 20th century

Place madeHIMALAYA, Nepal, South Asia, Asia

MediumWood, cotton

Dimensions7 7/8 × 1 × 3/16 in. (20 × 2.6 × 0.4 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Ian and Lois Alsop, A.2015.35.3

Terms

value (economic concept)

Object numberA.2015.35.3

ProvenanceDonors collected these items in country about 20 years ago.

DescriptionA wood dagger of brown with three faces near the top of the handle, above which is situated an animal-like figure. Two faces of indistinct creatures are inscribed on the relatively short dagger blade. Many cotton ribbons of brown and dark red are tied to the middle part of the handle. Various motifs are inscribed on the dagger's handle.