necklace made of metallic, gold yarns, 2 brown, rudraksha beads, 2 coral beads and one cylindrical, black stone; series at mid-necklace is: woven, metallic, cone shaped yarn, 1 rudraksha bead, 1 coral bead, 1 black stone, 1 coral bead, 1 rudraksha bead, woven, metallic, cone shaped yarn; series is ~11.0cm; each separated by gold, metallic yarns woven to create bead shape; red tassle attached at end of necklace. coral is associated with Mars and the god of war, it is popularly used in protective amulets, especially by women and children against the evil eye. the material is metallic yarns (zari), often used in theatrical costumes. rudraksha beads are made from the seeds of small tree (Eleaocarpus ganitrus) unique to Java, often worn by followers of Shiva. this necklace, with thick cylinder in the middle, resemble protective amulets.
Donor:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Ready, Jr. Fund and Richard Lerner