Identifying this item

[Jalith]

I am trying to identify this item and I really don't know where to start besides just showing people and seeing if they recognise what it might be. I'm hoping someone here can help!

This 3-edged dagger/point has a flame design on each surface.
There is a partial skull with hair extending upward. The hand is grasping the hair. The hand is held in the "sign of the horns" position.
Above the hand is a dragon head with mouth open - and to be honest, looks like it might make a good bottle opener...

Most people who have looked at this item think that it has been removed from a larger piece, the point of severance being the hand at the wrist. It seems that something was also affixed to the back, possibly a mount as there is a small round spot of what feels like a different metal on the back of the blade section.

[katana]

Hi Jalith,
it's a Phurba.....a buddhist spiritual dagger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phurba

http://www.himalayanmart.com/PhurbaRitualDagger.php

Regards David

[Jalith]

Thanks David!

I wasn't expecting an answer so quickly - I see I came to the right place!

I guess my next task is to figure out if it was produced for tourists, or if it is a genuine article...

Regards

J

[Rick]

An interesting form for these IMO .

Is the Makara a common figure for a phurba ?

BTW, welcome !

[katana]

Originally Posted by Rick

An interesting form for these IMO .

Is the Makara a common figure for a phurba ?

BTW, welcome !

Hi Rick,
yes the Makara is present on a number of phurbas. Google Makara and Phurba .... I asume this Hindu symbol has filtered through to Tibet (and regions) and is incoporated into the symbolism of the other 'elements' of the Phurba.

Regards David