Unknown Maker, Tibetan

The Hindu god Vishnu takes on different forms to maintain order in the world, often accompanied by divine animals. Here an elaborate carving of Shesha, a seven-headed serpent, frames Vishnu, singing praises from his many mouths. For Hindus, serpents protect and nourish the underground realms.

The necklace in the case below features a blue- winged hybrid figure of the mythical Garuda bird and Vishnu adorned with jewels. The half-man and half-bird motif, popular for amulets, protects the wearer from illnesses connected with water and serpents. The ritual dagger features Hayagriva, a wrathful horse-headed being who can destroy demons. Hayagriva is one of Vishnu’s avatars.

—WC

Phurbu daggers, prominent in Tibetan Buddhism, were used in rituals to dispel demonic forces and disease. They are characterized by three-sided triangular blades, which may have derived from the shape of tent pegs used in the Himalayan region. The hilt on this dagger features the head of Hayagriva, a manifestation of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in wrathful form.