Lot 59, Auction 3/19/2026: Rare Tibetan Human Bone Mala Rosary + Silver Beads

$2,080.00

In stock

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare Buddhist ritual mala or prayer bead necklace strung with thick discoidal bone beads, very likely human skull in origin. Such adornments are associated with wrathful-deity practices and esoteric rituals, where human bone served as a reminder of impermanence and the cycle of death and rebirth. The beads are arranged on a cotton cord, accented with brass rings, and terminate in leather tassel cords adorned with high-quality silver beads of approximately 90% purity. Each end is finished with a rosette bead set with inset coral and turquoise cabochons, stones symbolic of vitality and spiritual protection. A powerful and evocative ritual object that reflects the intersection of Tibetan artistry, symbolism, and sacred function. Size strand length doubled: 20″ L (50.8 cm); tassels are 6.5″ L (16.5 cm); bone beads: 0.5″ L x 0.2″ W (1.3 cm x 0.5 cm); silver quality: 89% to 91%

This item cannot be shipped to Georgia, Louisiana, or Tennessee. Please be advised that international shipping may have additional restrictions on some material. It is the customer’s responsibility to be aware of their own local laws.

Condition: Pitting and ossification to bones as expected with age. Dark patina to bone and leather. Rubbing and softening to silver beads. Leather is still supple.

Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.