Yak Bone Mala – 108 beads with turquoise & red wooden beads (⌀ 10 mm)

Kunsang

"I particularly like this mala because it is so bright. Most of the malas in my shop are dark and heavy – this one is light, almost cheerful. Yak bone has always been known in our Himalayas – every family had such a mala at home somewhere."

Yak Bone Mala – 108 Beads with Turquoise & Red Wooden Beads (⌀ 10 mm)

This mala consists of 108 flat yak bone beads, each with a diameter of 10 mm and a total weight of around 75 grams. Yak bone has been used for malas in the Himalayas for centuries – the animal is omnipresent in Tibetan daily life, and its processing into jewellery has a long tradition. The creamy white, almost ivory-coloured hue makes this mala one of the brightest and friendliest in our range – a clear contrast to the dark Rudraksha and ebony variants.

With a 10 mm diameter, this mala feels noticeably fuller in the hand than smaller variants – the beads are present, but still comfortable to wear due to the light yak bone material. At two points in the strand, small colour accents of real turquoise and red wooden beads are added – one turquoise nugget, framed by two round red wooden beads and fine metal spacers. The warm red tones form a harmonious contrast to the natural turquoise and the light colour of the yak bone and reflect the traditional colour palettes of the Himalayas. The finish is simple – a red thread without a large tassel, with two small end beads.

Yak Bone, Turquoise & Red Wooden Beads – Harmonious Colour Scheme

In the Himalayas, yak bone is considered an earthy, everyday material – robust, durable, and deeply connected to the lives of nomadic and mountain peoples. Turquoise has been valued in Tibetan culture for centuries and traditionally stands for protection, vastness, and connection to the sky. The red wooden beads add a warm colour accent and emphasize the traditional character of the mala, without obscuring the natural impression of the materials.

Meaning & Tradition

108 is a sacred number in Buddhism – it stands for the 108 worldly desires that one releases through meditation and mantra recitation. With each bead, you speak a mantra, a wish, a breath. The bright yak bone beads feel particularly light in the hand – ideal for anyone looking for a mala for everyday use, not just for quiet meditation at home.

Care & Application

• Yak bone is robust but porous – avoid direct contact with perfume, creams, or soap.
• Turquoise is also porous – here too: keep as dry as possible and do not bring into contact with chemicals.
• The red wooden beads should be protected from prolonged moisture and aggressive cleaning agents so that their colour lasts a long time.
• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
• Store the mala in its brocade pouch when not in use – this protects it and maintains its energy.
• For meditation: hold the mala in your right hand, thumb and middle finger guide the beads – the index finger is traditionally left out.

The Pouch – a Small Token of Appreciation

Each mala is delivered in a matching brocade pouch. This protects it and at the same time it is lovingly packaged – whether for yourself or as a gift for a special person.

Come visit us at Kramgasse 63 in Bern – I will be happy to show you how this bright yak bone mala with its turquoise and red wooden beads feels in your hand. Or order it conveniently online.