Tibetan Prayer Box Pendants

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A Beautiful Tradition

A ghau, also known as a Prayer Box, is a small silver and gemstone pendant within which small sacred items, such as turquoise (believed to ward off evil), miniature scrolls or sacred texts, or Tibetan incense is kept.

Traditionally, Tibetans use Ghau as portable shrines where prayers and sacred relics are kept. More recently, and outside Tibet, "prayer box" pendants are often worn as jewelry or personal adornment.

I am pleased to share my passion for this unique and beautiful ornament with you!

Samples of Ghau 

Several dealers on eBay have shops/auctions featuring these stunning yet simple miniature shrines.

The ones I've purchased contain miniature prayer scrolls and other relics such as incense chips.

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Other Examples of Prayer Box Pendants 

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Tibet Shining 

This eBay seller specializes in pieces from Tibet and other Himalayan regions.

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Contemporary Silver Prayer Box Pieces 

These miniature "prayer box" charms are made and sold by modern companies in honor of the ancient tradition.

Sterling Silver Prayer Box with Cross

Amazon Price: $29.64 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Sterling Silver Prayer Box with Floral Design

Amazon Price: $24.36 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Sterling Silver Prayer Box with Christian Fish Design

Amazon Price: $32.61 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Sterling Silver Prayer Box Tubular Shape with floral Design

Amazon Price: $37.89 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Prayer Boxes from other Cultures 

The prayer box design was not unique to Tibet, although their work is some of the finest examples.
I have included some other ethnic groups' interpretations here to give you a better overview.
Ethiopian Telsum Bead silver prayer box pendants were traditionally worn by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to ward off the evil eye.

Ethiopian Silver Prayer Box - Telsum - Traditional Jewelry

Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Ethiopian Silver Telsum Prayer Box - Traditional Jewelry

Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Other Tibetan Jewelry Accessories 

Many other pieces of beautiful jewelry come from this fascinating remote land. Please browse the variety of options from the following sellers:

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Related Material on Tibetan Culture 

Come explore the culture, history and geography of this fascinating region of the world.

Tibet: An Inner Journey

Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Tibet (Lonely Planet Country Guide)

Amazon Price: $17.81 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs

Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

A Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols

Amazon Price: $18.45 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

The Art Of Happiness: A Handbook For Living

Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now

Visitor Log 

If there is anything you'd like to say regarding this art form or the land/culture of Tibet, feel free to add it here!

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Images of Tibet 

Teddy, age 14 by gurdonark

Teddy, age 14

Potala Palace by treasuresthouhast

Potala Palace

Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Potala Palace

Prayers wheels outside the Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Prayers wheels outsi...

The Jokhang by fairlybuoyant

The Jokhang

Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Potala Palace

Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Potala Palace

On the roof of the Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

On the roof of the P...

Me in front of the Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Me in front of the P...

Prayers wheels outside the Potala Palace by fairlybuoyant

Prayers wheels outsi...

Buddha engraved in rock by fairlybuoyant

Buddha engraved in r...

From the roof of the Jokhang by fairlybuoyant

From the roof of the...

Walking around the Jokhang by fairlybuoyant

Walking around the J...

Crowds on the Barkhor for Randeng Festival by fairlybuoyant

Crowds on the Barkho...

Lighting up the Jokhang for Rendang Festival by fairlybuoyant

Lighting up the Jokh...

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