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**I. Analysis of core concepts**
#### 1. **The meaning of "half-blood" camel bones**
- **Natural blood-colored texture**:
"Half-blood" refers to the natural blood-colored traces (formed by oxidation of iron elements) of the marrow cavity of camel bones that are retained during natural weathering or processing, showing a unique texture of reddish brown and off-white, which is regarded as a symbol of natural spirituality.
- **Religious meaning**:
The blood color represents life energy in Tibetan culture, and forms a deep echo with the Buddhist "impermanence" (bones symbolize the cycle of life and death).
2. **Characteristics of barrel beads**
- **Craftsmanship**: Hand-polished cylindrical beads, flat-cut at both ends, usually 6-8mm in diameter, with fine holes.
- **Tibetan style**: Some beads may be engraved with the six-character mantra, lotus patterns or vajra patterns, reflecting the craftsmanship.
3. **108-bead structure**
- **Standard format**:
108 main beads + 1 Buddha head (three-way) + spacer beads (counter, vajra, etc.), with separate beads for every 27 beads.
- **Mantra chanting function**: A complete cycle represents the elimination of 108 kinds of troubles.
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**Second, key points for material identification**
1. **Natural half-blood bone characteristics**
- **Color**: The blood-colored part has a natural transition in a cloud-like manner, and after oxidation, it becomes dark reddish brown (non-uniform dyeing).
- **Texture**:
- Fine "Haver tubes" (bone tissue channels) can be seen on the bone wall;
- Honeycomb structure can be observed through light.
- **Touch**: Warm and not cold to the hands, and the patina becomes lustrous after playing with it.
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**Third, religious and cultural value**
1. **Significance of practice**
- In Tibetan Buddhism, animal bone prayer beads remind practitioners that "life and death are impermanent" and break the attachment to superficial appearances.
- The blood-colored part is believed to contain vitality and enhances concentration when chanting.
2. **Protective function**
- Herders traditionally believe that camel bones can resist evil spirits on the plateau, and are often worn with the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams cards.
- The old rosary has been blessed by chanting sutras for many years and is regarded as a "spiritual" instrument.
3. **Art collection**
- The uniqueness of the half-blood texture makes each rosary a unique piece, and the handmade barrel beads show the spirit of craftsmanship.
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### **Fourth, Maintenance Guide**
1. **Maintenance Taboos**
- **Avoid**: Water immersion, exposure to the sun, chemical reagents (will fade and crack).
- **Maintenance**:
- Regularly rub with ghee/walnut oil;
- Playing with clean hands can accelerate the formation of patina.
- **Religious etiquette**: Do not cross or drop to the ground, and hang it high when idle.