Vintage Tibetan conch shell mala

Very beautiful old Tibetan mala made with beads from conch shell.

In Tibetan Buddhism the conch shell is one of the eight Auspicious Symbols. One of the characteristics of the Buddha is said to be his deep, resonant voice,  reminding of the sound from a conch shell when being blown like a horn trumpet. The symbol of the conch shell thereby symbolizes the spoken voice of the Buddha, which has the ability to reach every direction of the universe where it fearlessly proclaims the truth of the dharma and calls upon each and everyone to work for the benefit of others.

In some regions of Tibet this meaningful symbolism has led to the art of handcarving beads from conch shells. Authentique, old mala's with these beads, such as this beautiful example, are often very heavy (this one weighs 241 grams). After being carved out, the beads are polished to a beautiful shine, which increases over time with the usage of letting the beads run through the fingers while saying mantra's and prayers.

In this mala in between the conch beads three iron skull beads have been added. The skull as a symbol is known in a lot of traditions. It can be seen as a symbol of both life and death. So not just the western 'memento mori' meaning, but also the representation of infinite life, the ancestors and the clan which can be found in eastern philosophies. In (Tibetan) Buddhism the skull also stands as a symbol for the concept of emptiness as a quality of the universe; all events are basically neutral, it is only our human minds that attach meaning to them.  And in Tibetan culture the skull is also a symbol of protection from the Gods.

This mala consists of 29 conch shell beads with a diameter of approximately 18 millimeters per bead, and three iron skull bead. Total size of this mala is approximately 54 centimeters. 

This mala is from vintage origin. Therefore it might have little damages and imperfections that come with age and previous usage.