Materials:

Gold-plated copper

Coral

Turquoise

Lapis Lazuli

Red velvet

Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 16.5 inches

Individual panels: 2.2” x 2.2”

Bottom pendant width: 3.5 inches

Bottom pendant height: 2 inches

Weight:  450 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

This extraordinary Tayo, is exclusive to Newari women.  The main element of the Tayo is a hollow lozenge-shaped pendant connected to the necklace with two mirror-imaged comma shapes crafted from filigreed gold-plated copper, backed in red velvet, and heavily decorated with turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli depicting all eight auspicious Buddhist symbols.

Naga Kanya rests above the pendant base.  Also known as snake of the rainbow, daughter of the serpent, guardian of treasures, benevolent goddess of the three realms.  Nagas are serpentine spirits who reside in the underworld, protecting and offering the teachings of the Mother Goddess.  They are said to guard all esoteric and mystical teachings, offering them only to those who come humbly to receive.  In turn, they offer protection and gifts to the seeker.

The Nagas (carved from turquoise with coral eyes) are also known as apsaras, or elemental nymphs, who preside over both the natural world as well as the unseen.  They are petitioned for weather-related blessings, and it is considered highly disrespectful to pollute environments in which they are said to live.  Amongst the snake guardian elementals, Naga Kanya is Queen.

Kumari, the child dancers who embodies gods, would have worn this necklace during ceremonies in which they were deemed “Living Goddesses.”