Ritual knives
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Chapel
Orientation 3
Display 5

ABR 014

 Code: ABR 014

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1400 - 1500

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 1.3 x 20.3

  Materials: Gilt iron

Ritual knives for the modelling of “torma” offerings

This set of ritual knives with vajra handle and blade springing out of sea monsters makara mouths are delicately ornate with floral patterns. They are used to model torma, the ritual cake offerings of Tibetan Buddhism. Mostly made out of butter and flour, these conical cakes can include other ingredients such as egg, milk and sugar, and are dyed in various colours. They form part of the offerings placed upon shrines in front of sacred images, and are sometimes subsequently cast away or, less commonly, consumed by practitioners.