RESOLVE: Hand Mala with Artist and Ancient beads for Meditation in Earth colors

RESOLVE
This delicately primitive focal is one of the last talismans obtained from my friend Steph’s (vladthebatsceramics) last days of kiln fired bead-making. It is a beautiful, soulful tribute to neolithic art that is soft and warms to the touch. A perfect mala focal.
Above it, a swirling earth-colored flamework bead by Lisa DeCanio, with two pottery discs: one Kevin O’Connor and an amazing vertebral disc bead of stoneware by FoxPaws. Then a lovely antique carnelian bead that has seen a long life and probably several continents - it’s facets show signs of wear and handling that adds to its presence in this wabi sabi mala; and capping off the column of counting pieces, a mysterious black dotted disc by Sheila Davis.

10” (26cm)

Mala, meaning garland or circlet of beads, is used in many traditions to provide a focus for concentration, meditation and prayer.
Each of my malas is constructed thoughtfully with an intention to impart calm, or focus spiritual energy
They are physical objects to bring the numinous into the material
They each are beings with heft and a spine, and an individual flexibility - depending on the beads and the order in which they are placed, one mala may be more flexible than others.
They may become slightly more flexible with use - and they are intended for a long life of touching and holding. I’ll gladly restring for you if needed.

WEARING: A mala is a physical presence. Each bead is chosen for its texture and touch. The whole composition has some heft to it - something to ground and center your thoughts. It is meant to be held and carried (but not folded) - if you would like a simple strung bead strand to allow you to wear the mala, I’ll gladly make you one for $15-20.

Please contact me if you are shipping outside of North America.