Object ID
2002.52.7
Object Name
Komboloi
Material
Plastic
Object Entities
Farmakis, Daisy (is related to)
Object Description
Golden-colored komboloi, or worry beads. The beads are comprised of 18 golden-colored beads in a loop formation that ends in a red tassel hanging from the end, on an off-white, slightly dirty string.
Origin
Worry beads or kombolói, is a string of beads manipulated with one or two hands and used to pass time in Greek and Cypriot culture. Unlike the similar prayer beads used in many religious traditions, including the Greek Orthodox komboskini, worry beads have no religious or ceremonial purpose.

The uses of worry beads in Greek culture include relaxation, a general passing of time, to guard against bad luck, as an attempt to quit smoking, and as a mark of power and social prestige, if one carried worry beads made of expensive silver or amber.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Komboloi, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/6874. Accessed 04/24/24.