Khatvanga – Vajrayana Ritual Staff with Filigree

The khatvanga is a ritual staff, worked in filigree, silver- and gold-plated, and set with colored stones. As an attribute, it symbolizes the male or female aspect of the tantric deity who carries it. For the male deity it represents wisdom, while for the female it represents method.

A trident sits atop the crystal skull at the upper end of the staff, symbolizing the Three Jewels and the Buddhas of the three times. Two curved, banner-like elements extend symmetrically from the skull. The lower end is finished with a half crystal vajra.

The body is worked in filigree. Spiral forms bent from thin wire are filled with small arched elements and joined into an ornamental pattern. At regular intervals, the staff is banded with colored stones.

The khatvanga follows iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbol, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Khatvanga

Crystal-carved head and vajra, copper staff and trident, decorated with fine filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Length: 17" / 46 cm
• Width: 6" / 16 cm
• Weight: 960 g