Lava mala with protective amulet

This mala consists of fine lava stone beads strung on a hand-knotted coloured cord, with a carefully tied knot between every bead.

The brass amulet bears the Tibetan protective symbol «Sipaho» (Tib. srid pa ho) on its front. It is decorated with the eight trigrams («Ba Gua»), the twelve signs of the zodiac, Buddhist symbols and the magic square in the centre. Sipaho amulets are traditionally worn in Tibet for protection. The back is polished smooth.

• Lava bead diameter: approx. 9 mm
• Mala circumference: approx. 106 cm

The mala is handmade at Atelier Tibet in Zurich.

Lava stones are formed from solidified lava. Their matt, porous surface and dark colour combine well with gemstones or wood. Because the pores absorb essential oils, a lava stone mala can be scented with a few drops of fragrance oil.