Artwork Details

Title
Snake Spine Prayer Beads with Conch Button and One Metal Counter
Dimensions
15 7/8 × 2 1/8 × 3/4 in.
Medium
Indian Cobra spine (Naga naga), conch (Turbinella pyrum), metal
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
ritual objects
Date
19th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Anne Breckenridge Dorsey
Object number
C2012.6.11
Bibliography
Arts of Asia: Celestial Silks and Prayer Beads
Published references
  • Anne Breckenridge Dorsey, ”Prayer Beads: In Asian Buddhist Cultures,” Arts of Asia 34, no. 4 (July-August, 2004): fig. 17.
  • Rights and Reproductions for Film (Laird - 02/23/2016) Attached.

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Merit

Concepts

In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.

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Ritual

Concepts

Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.

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Meditation

Concepts

A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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