Ritual Scorpion Dagger

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Ritual Scorpion Dagger

Eastern Tibet, Kham region, Derge, 18th century
Arms and Armor; daggers
Blade: iron inlaid with gold and silver; hilt: copper alloy
17 x 2 1/4 x 1 1/8 in. (43.18 x 5.72 x 2.86 cm)
Purchased with funds provided by Orrin Hein (AC1994.112.1)
South and Southeast Asian Art
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

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In Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism the scorpion (Sanskrit: vrishchika; Tibetan: sdig pa) symbolizes the transformation of negativity into wisdom. Its venom represents spiritual poisons, such as ignorance and attachment, that can be mastered and transmuted by practitioners. The scorpion-hilted dagger (kila or phurba), typically featuring a flaming blade, is believed to impale and subdue negative energy. It is the principal attribute of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in his wrathful aspect as the "Scorpion Guru" embodying the fierce spiritual power needed to pierce through delusion. See Robert Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs (Boston: Shambala Publications, 1999), pp. 277-279, pl. 123. See also M.86.281.
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