Rudraksha Seeds with Tassel-Meditation BeadsThe name rudraksha stems from Hindu mythology and means “the eyes of Shiva.” It is believed that God meditated on the welfare of mankind and emerged crying tears of compassion. The tears, upon hitting the Earth, crystalized to form the trees that are now rudrakshas.
Ruler VIIThe Yoruba people of Nigeria created this sacred ceremonial headdress to be worn by the "Oba" of their tribe. The Oba is a sort of combination of king, high priest and chief. This headdress is the Oba's symbol of authority, his crown. The birds who adorn this crown represent the mystical powers of the woman whose support is needed by the Oba to rule effectively. The beads that hang down are in place to protect the mere mortal from the gaze of the chief.