Nepalese Iron Shamanic Trident

Rusty three-pronged fork with a little face where the prongs meet.

This shamanic trident is from Nepal, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is iron. The trident is an ancient emblem in South Asia, most widely known as the trishula of Shiva, and forged tridents appear in Hindu, Buddhist and local Himalayan practice. Tall, flat three-pronged form with a central long spike and two curved side prongs, joined by a small face-like bar. A slim stem drops below, mounted on a black base. The surface is orange-brown, rough and pitted with rust. It is 5 inches wide, 2 deep and 8 high.

Three points, one face, and not much patience.