Religious Object / Khatvanga

A wooden staff or khatvanga. At the tip of the pointed octagonal staff is a half dorje or vajra (symbolising a thunderbolt). At the top, carved in fine detail is an vase of ambroisia with banners hanging from its side, which is topped with a large carved jewel. The finial is in the shape of a half dorje. Attached to the finial is an endless knot tied from two strips of leather. These two strips are sewn into a 'v' shaped and stitched to these are two large silk scarve; one dark blue, one olive green. Both are inscribed in red ink with mantras in the Tibetan script.