Tibet, early 19th century; mother of pearl, coral, ivory, silver alloy, copper alloy; 21 3/4 x 2 1/8 x 1/2 in.; The Rubin Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Anne Breckenridge Dorsey, C2012.49.
27. Mother of Pearl Prayer Beads
Men with Prayer Beads
Thimpu, Bhutan, 2013, photo: Arian Zwegers, https://www.flickr.com/photos/azwegers/15658124477/in/photostream.
The tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan governs according to Buddhist precepts, measuring its citizens’ well-being according to a concept of “gross national happiness.” In this photograph, laymen in traditional dress undertake a ceremonial procession with prayer beads in hand.