Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An attractive and macabre example of a Tibetan prayer necklace composed of 108 human bone beads. The necklace, known as a "mala," traditionally has 108 beads which coincide with the uttered mantra one would recite when running the beads through their fingers. Included with the mala is a thick bone ring, made perhaps from a human femur, that is perhaps worn as a pendant rather than on one's finger. Size (necklace): 24" L (61 cm).

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#149668

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and ossification to bone beads and ring commensurate with age, with light nicks, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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