Authentic Native American Navajo Indian Pink Shell Rosary

• Crucifix, medal and all metal beads are sterling silver
• The large sterling silver beads with seams are bench-made beads and are 8mm diameter
• Shell nuggets are approximately 8mm diameter
• Rosary laid out is 13 3/4" long

Bessie Haley - Navajo Sterling Silver and Pink Shell Nugget Rosary
ROS210 $225 plus s/h

Dime in above photo shows scale of beads.

Crucifix is stamped "CHAPEL STERL", which means it was purchased from the Catholic Church and that it is Sterling Silver.

What is a rosary?

A rosary is a string of knots or beads, designed as an aid to the memory, and, when used in religious exercises, providing a convenient method for counting the recitation of prayers or the repetition of the names and attributes of the Deity."

- From the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, ed. James Hastings, Volume X: Picts - Sacraments.

The Parts of a Rosary

The Chaplet is divided into five Decades with four Dividing Beads and a fifth one called the Medal, which may be of the same sort as the Divider Beads or a charm. The two ends of the Chaplet attach to the Medal as well as the Terminal which is a short piece that connects the Chaplet to the Crucifix.

The Divider Beads: There are four larger or differently sized beads to separate the Decades.

The Five Decades: There are five sets of ten beads that comprise the Chaplet.

The Medal or the Center: Previously described.

Pendant: Usually a Crucifix.