Prayer Beads (Malas), 20th Century
Tibet Autonomous Region
Shell, stone and cotton; 15 1/2 × …

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Prayer Beads (Malas)

ClassificationsCeremonial or Ritual Objects

Date20th Century

Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia

MediumShell, stone and cotton

Dimensions15 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 in. (39.4 × 11.4 × 2.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2021.8.14

DescriptionThese are prayer beads, or malas, used in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Prayer beads are generally used in concert with prayer wheels as a way of tracking how many times monks have repeated mantras. In most cases there are 108 beads which are here made from shell and ivory. Interestingly, the shell pieces seen on prayer wheels are turned into beads for malas once they have been worn out. The spacers are evenly counted to have 27 beads in between them to help keep track of counting.

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