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1. Analysis of the core composition
**Square abacus bead shape**
- **Source of shape**:
Inspired by the traditional Tibetan calculation tool (Tibetan abacus), each bead is square and flat, with a side length of about 8-12mm, and the edges are often chamfered
- **Religious symbol**:
The square represents the balance of the four realms of "earth, water, fire and wind", which echoes the cosmological view of "round sky and square earth" with the round Buddhist beads
2. **Material of camel bone main bead**
- **Processing technology**:
- The old camel bone is soaked in ghee and is dark honey-colored
- The surface is hand-carved with six-character mantras or vajra patterns
- **Cultural taboo**:
Tibetan Buddhism believes that bone beads need bones of animals that died naturally, and it is forbidden to kill animals for bead making
3. **Deer tooth and turquoise accessories**
| **Accessories** | **Religious meaning** | **Material characteristics** |
|------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|
| **Deer tooth** | Symbolizes the Buddha's first turning of the Dharma wheel (Deer Park) | The tip of the tooth is often inlaid with a silver cap, and the root of the tooth retains natural blood lines |
| **Turquoise** | Represents the wisdom of Guru Padmasambhava | Old ore in Tibet, iron wire distribution like spider web patterns |
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II. Cultural Function Interpretation
1. **Practice tool**
- Square beads are convenient for counting with fingers, suitable for fast chanting (such as Guru Padmasambhava's mantra)
- Each abacus bead represents a stage of practice (a total of 108 stages)
2. **Protective system**
- Deer teeth can resist "evil eyes" (evil vision) in the shaman tradition
- Turquoise color change warns the wearer's health status (Tibetan medical theory)
3. **Identity symbol**
- Kham noble tradition: the number of turquoise represents the family status
- The monks often use the Tiantie armor accessories
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III. Material points
1. Identification of old camel bone abacus beads
- **Features**:
- The two ends of the hole are "horse-shoe-shaped" due to long-term use
- Under ultraviolet light, bone patterns show branch-like fluorescence
2. Identification of deer teeth and turquoise
- **Old deer teeth**:
The "pulp cavity" can be seen in the root part, and the spacing between the annual ring patterns is <0.5mm
- **Tibetan turquoise**:
The color of the iron wire deepens after soaking in water (no change in the optimized product with injection)
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IV. Matching and taboos
1. **Religious rituals**
- Deer teeth should be worn facing the direction of the Buddha's head
- New beads need to be purified with saffron water
2. **Daily matching**
- Can be worn with vajra counters and silver gawu boxes
- Avoid mixing with energy stones such as crystals (Tibetans believe that magnetic fields conflict)
3. **Maintenance instructions**
- Camel bone beads should be maintained with yak oil every month to prevent cracking
- Turquoise should avoid sweat stains and should be wiped with a soft cloth regularly