Vajra hammer

Tibet

17th century

Iron with silver and gilt

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A ceremonial vajra hammer with a square base, a central shaft, and two pronged ends. The object is made of metal with gold accents. A <i>vajra</i> hammer (Sanskrit: <i>vajramudgara</i>; Tibetan: <i>dorje thoba</i>) symbolizes the relentless effectiveness of critical wisdom to smash ignorance and illusion. In Buddhist sculptures and paintings, the hammer is often shown being carried by numerous deities and dharma (divine law) protectors, and it is used by the priesthood in certain rituals. Gallery G255 Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton