ANCIENT TIBETAN PRAYER BEAD NECKLACE 15TH-16TH CENTURY

Genuine ancient example dating to the period of the creation of the Dalai Lama by Altan Khan. About 1” (0.91”) height. Made from human bone carved as a skull with grinning facial countenance. Rich patina with the forehead stained brown. These skull beads are probably the most copied of Tibetan artifacts with modern examples readily available. This example is a very rare original from a string which came to market about 10 years ago and are the only originals we have seen. Suspended from an 18” sterling silver neck chain for modern wear.