Antique Tibetan Buddhist Ghau Prayer Box and Necklace in Silver With Gemstones

Description

Antique Tibetan Buddhist Ghau Prayer Box and Necklace
Handmade Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Box (Ghau) Pendant and Necklace crafted in silver, lapis lazuli, coral, amber and turquoise.
Prayer boxes are amulets (protectors) and are worn by Tibetans to ward off negative energy and attract blessings.  They carry magic charms and medical herbs.  Tibetan Buddhists often wear the Ghau (Gau) that contains a scroll of sacred verse stored inside.
The pendant is worn as a necklace with the box hanging at heart-length.  They are usually ornate in pattern and usually embedded with gemstones. It is inlaid with coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli.  Turquoise represents good fortune, success and health.  The necklace contains beautifully colored beads, turquoise, amber and large yellow Tibetan amber-resin beads in a tube barrel shape.
The Tibetan silver Ghau, necklace clasp and beads are individually made in a process that usually involves hammering and chiseling.
Tibetan women wear jewelry all of their lives for religious purposes and for protection.  Tibetans value jewelry based on color, size, and symbolism.
Origin of Piece: Nepal and others.
Physical Characteristics (All dimensions are approximate)
Overall dimensions: 18" in length, 4" wide at Prayer Box.
Prayer Box is approximately 1" deep by 4" square
Amber Resin Barrel Beads are 1.25" long by 1.25" wide
The piece is in excellent condition for a item of its age
.  Please contact the seller with any questions or comments concerning the item and especially the condition.