Two wooden phurbu (ritual dagger), Tibet, 19th century - One with a tripartite blade, the point reinforced with a paktong element, is carved with two intertwined snakes on each side and topped with three braided rings. The handle is decorated with three deities. - The other, with a pointed tripartite blade, is carved with the same snake motif on one side, a face and geometric motifs on the other, while the third is undecorated. The handle is carved with three wrathful faces above three rings with stylized motifs. This type of dagger is linked to Vajrayana Buddhism, and in particular to the Vajrakilaya deity. The three edges of the blade symbolize the "three poisons" to be exorcised. Length: 23 and 26 cm Wear and minor damage.