Our sterling silver (.925) katah are inspired by traditional Cambodian katah prayer beads which were more commonly made from lead or low grade silver. Available in two styles of bead and necklace: angular katah with sterling silver fine chain (16 in. or 18 in.) or traditional tubular katah on a black synthetic rubber cord with a sterling silver clasp. Either style is a unique addition to any jewelry collection.
Also, see our gold katah beads or gold katah-style lanterns.
Cambodian prayer bead (katah): Today in Cambodia, a wealthy woman might wear a single gold katah on a chain around her neck. More commonly, though, a Cambodian woman of more modest means would wear several silver katah on a cord around her waist and hidden under her garments. According to tradition, Khmer (Cambodian) women would seek the blessings of monks who copied ancient scriptures onto small bits of palm leaf, silver, or more recently, paper. These writings were then rolled up and inserted into katah which,depending on the woman’s economic status, would be made from clay, bamboo, lead, silver or gold. After that, the monk would add his own personal “magic” through an offering of prayers.
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