Iron blade with gilt copper handle, Tibet, ca.18th century.

Ritual dagger with iron blade and gilt copper handle.

Purchased from Charles B. Bayley, Esq.

This dagger was purchased from Charles B Bayley Esq in 1909, but there is nothing in the archive files to indicate how it came into his posession. Many Tibetan objects that came to Britain in the first decade of the 20th century are associated with the Younghusband Mission which fought its way from India to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in 1904. The aim of this military assault was to force Tibet to engage in trade with British India and to counter perceived Russian influence in the region. The Tibetan army proved no match for the British-led forces and thousands were killed. Many objects were brought back to Britain in consequence of this invasion. Some had been purchased, but many had been looted from Tibetan monasteries, temples, and homes.

Purchased from Charles B. Bayley, Esq., 2 Barkston Gardens, Earl's Court, S.W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

AM 5112/1909

The Tibetan ritual dagger (phur-bu) is used for a variety of magical purposes connected with protection from evil and the expulsion or destruction of demons. The power of the phur-bu comes from its identification with the wrathful deity Dor je Phur-bu, with whom the practitioner symbolically unites during the enactment of the ritual.

A ritual dagger or 'phurbu' is used in Tibet for a variety of ritual and magical purposes. The power of such daggers comes from the identification of the user with the deity within the implement, in this case the wrathful protector Hayagriva (Tibetan: Tamdin). Daggers are planted in groups around an area to protect it , or singly to expel or destroy demonic forces.

IM.42-1909