DESCRIPTION: An antique strand of Tibetan Buddhist prayer beads (or mala), handcrafted with beads of light tan yack bone strung on a cord and terminating in a large antique ivory guru. Malas such as this one were handed down in Tibetan families for generations, and genuine antique malas are becoming quite difficult to find. This 19th C. strand has been restrung with a large copper button clasp so that it can be worn as a choker (see last photo), making a most unique and beautiful necklace.