Tibetan Buddhist Bone Skull Mala Bead Necklace Strand

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
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• Lot Description
  Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A pair of japamala, or mala bone bead strands, including one of necklace length and another of bracelet length, each featuring hand-carved skull-shaped beads likely fashioned from ox or yak bone. The longer strand is centered with a carved bone medallion depicting a double-headed dorje (vajra) - a powerful symbol in Tibetan Buddhism representing indestructibility and spiritual authority. Both strands are simply threaded on cord with knotted ends, making them easily restringable or adaptable for personal ritual use. Japamala strands reflect the Buddhist tradition of using bead garlands for meditative practice. In Sanskrit, mala means "garland," and these bead strands serve to count mantra recitations, regulate breathing, or track other repetitive rituals - functioning much like a Buddhist rosary. Size of strand doubled: 46" L (116.8 cm); beads: 0.4" L x 0.3" W (1 cm x 0.8 cm)
  
  Provenance: ex-private San Pedro, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  #193378

  Condition

  Some minor nicks and abrasions. Nice patina to beads. Strung on simple cords and can easily be restrung for wearing.
• Shipping Info

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