Constructed of brass, Phurbas have a rich Tibetan history. These are ritual daggers used in fighting the forces of evil. Three different faces of a fierce tutelary deity. The middle is a vajra or lightning bolt with an eternal knot at each end. At the bottom is a makara (sea dragon) holding the 3-sided blade in its mouth. Note that the sea dragon has a serpent coming out of its mouth. Age unknown but most likely late- 1900’s.
This item has been sold. Many thanks M.S. !