This one of a kind mala is made from malachite and carnelian gemstones. Completed with an antique Shiva from northern India circa 1940. Shiva symbolizes consciousness, the masculine principle. He exists in a cosmic dance of creation and destruction, holding his trident, which represents Shiva's three aspects of "creator, preserver and destroyer". It has an absolutely memorable quality and deep ageing of its patina. Shiva creates, protects, and transforms the universe. He is an embodiment of the Divine Masculine and is considered the Great Yogi who is totally absorbed in the transcendental reality. This amulet is 90% silver. Circa 1940. 108 mala beads in an 8mm size
Gemstones for:
Malachite: Malachite is an important protection stone. Malachite absorbs negative energies. Malachite clears and activates the chakras and attunes to spiritual guidance. It opens the heart to unconditional love. Encourages risk-taking and change, breaks unwanted ties and outworn patterns, and teaches how to take responsibility for one’s actions, thoughts and feelings. Malachite releases inhibitions and develops empathy with others. Releases negative experiences and old traumas. Stimulates dreams.
Carnelian: A stabilizing stone, Carnelian restores vitality and motivation, and stimulates creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success. It overcomes negative conditioning and encourages steadfastness. Excellent for healing of all kinds and restoring passion, healing sexuality, and fertility.
Chakras:
Sacral and Heart
Additional features:
Gemstone information card included
Mala Bead bag included
Shipping cost includes tracking and insurance in North America
Quality and Design
This collection has been a decade in the making. I first encountered these antiques in Rajasthan during my PhD fieldwork. I trekked and camped through the Himalayan Plateau meeting tribal people in the remote landscapes of Northern India. These antique pieces come from places that are only accessible by foot in the farthest reaches of the Himalayas. I collected these antiques one by one through Estate sales, negotiations with private collectors, and from traveling merchants from Northern India, Kashmir, and Tibet.
These amulets were made between 1790 - 1950 by expert craftsmen from the Himalayas. Starting in the 18th century tribal people in Northern India began casting this type of amulet. They were made by hammering silver into a plate meticulously by hand and with absolute precision. It was customary to wear an amulet depicting a deity as a form of protection, reverence, and faith.
Each was a private commission at the time it was made. It was made by hand, by a local silversmith, using ancient techniques particular to the Hill Tribes of the Himalayas. At the time of its making it was blessed by a Hindu priest, as was customary at the time. This blessing served to empower the amulet. It was believed that the deity depicted would aid the devotee when called upon with the aid of this blessing.
These amulets are becoming very rare. Most have been melted down to salvage their silver. Tragically, the artwork is being lost in this process. As Indian modernization pushed into the Himalayan Foothills, the tradition of making these was mostly lost, and now only in the farthest rural communities can you find the remains of a tradition that is centuries old. In purchasing these pieces, it was my hope to preserve the art and return it to its place in spiritual devotion. By purchasing a piece from this collection you are ensuring that the art is preserved and you are holding a piece of the spiritual history of India and Nepal.
Each of these one of a kind malas has its own deity and carefully selected gemstones. It is my hope that you find a meaningful piece that calls to your heart, soul, and practice. If you are hoping for a custom antique piece please contact me. I would be delighted to help find the perfect amulet and match it with gemstones for you.
