Thursday, February 21, 2013

"Subha" Prayer Beads Sculptures

I never really knew what this sculpture represented until a couple of weeks ago when a high school student told me that it is "subha," the prayer beads that are used by Muslims.  I've seen prayer beads made of all types of beads, from precious stones, glass and crystal, to wood and plastic.  There is usually a large starting bead with tassles hanging from it, and then either 33 stringed beads or 3 sets of 33 beads.  They are useful in helping Muslims keep track of certain repeated recitations, but are not considered a necessity.  This sculpture appears to be made of heavy metal wire that has been coiled and twisted into bead shapes.  I love the birds that have made themselves at home and can be seen perched on top of the sculpture.

4 comments:

A Colorful World said...

It's an amazing sculpture!

Dina said...

Thanks for the explanation. Let's hope the birds are praying too.

Kat said...

I have been staring at that sculpture for weeks trying to figure out what it was!

Kat said...

I have been staring at that sculpture for weeks trying to figure out what it was!