Skt., ankusa
Tib., lcags-kyu
Variously translated as goad or (iron) hook, this symbol is based on the tool used in India to control (goad) elephants.
In Indian iconography, it symbolizes the power a given deity to be selective, yet is also a symbol of anger (Skt., krodha).
In Tibet, it is an attribute and/or weapon of certain fierce deities (Dharmapalas, Dakinis, Yoginis), showing them to be Tantric manifestations.
An often used variation in Tibetan iconography is the dorje-topped rdo-rje lcags-kyu or vajrankusha.