Himalayan Craft In Tibetan Buddhism all monks (‘Lamas') hold a small ‘dorje' in their right, ‘male' hand during their daily ceremonies, and a bell on a handle (‘ghanta') in their left, ‘female' hand. Dorjes are also often held by cast statues of sacred gods. In larger sizes, up to several meters tall, dorjes are also positioned in front of temples or on altars as independent cult objects to be worshipped. The present dorje is an independent sacred object of this type, designed to be placed on an altar for worship. It is probably too large and heavy for a monk to use on a daily basis. It is made of yellow cast-alloy (brass) using the waste mould method. The ‘handle' in the middle is dome-shaped, and engraved with leafy tendrils and dotted surfaces. Eight dragon heads protrude from lotus flowers to the left and to the right (as a fortune symbol). Eight curved spokes or claws protrude from each of their mouths, ending on both sides in two lotus buds. These spokes or claws symbolise the possible ways a person can reach Nirvana, the final stage of happiness, peace and enlightenment.