A trident is one of the most important symbolic weapons of Tantric deities in their fight against the enemies of Buddhism. In Tibet, tridents are also used in various rituals as independent cult object, symbolising the victory of Buddhism over the forces of Evil. The central prong of this spectacular trident is decorated with two gilded rosettes between which are placed a 'kapala' (skull cup)and a 'vajradanda'. The reverse depicts a sword with a vajra hilt.
