Mani stone 

Dimensions:

     6.0 cm wide x 4.0 cm high   approx. 0.7 cm thick

Description:
    
     Flat roughly oval grayish colored stone.
     Stone has been carved on both sides.
     
Front

     Carved text in bas relief of the protection 
     mantra of Avalokiteshvara in the Tibetan script,
     "Om Mani Padme Hum."
     Text is highlighted with black paint.

Back

     Carved stylized image in bas relief of the
     eyes of Buddha.
     Image is highlighted in black paint.

Note: 

   Mani stones are carved prayer rocks inscribed with the 
   Buddhist prayer mantra, "Om mani padme hum" and 
   the auspicious symbol of the eyes of Buddha. They are 
   traditional part of Tibetan Buddhist culture.  Mani stones 
   can be found throughout the Himalayan region piled into
   mounds.  These mounds can be located atop mountain summits, 
   outside temples, near monasteries, at holy sites and at 
   crossroads where travelers pass. 
  
   In more recent times, local craftspeople in the various 
   Himalayan Tibetan communities have started to produced the 
   stones specifically for sale and export.  The Mani stone
   show in this exhibit is typical of this type and was 
   purchased at a museum gift shop.