An onyx (black agate) bead talisman with carved and painted inscription from the ancient Tibetan/Nepalese culture. Second Millennium AD . In good condition. It has been cleaned by hand, but the nice antique patina is preserved. 
Original, ancient, hand cutting , carving, boring  and grinding. 
The holes are ancient, hand-made, irregular, but have been over drilled with modern techniques to make the piece wearable when ancient holes obstructed. Traces of use and age on its surface. Purchased mid 90's in Katmandu/Nepal by Dr. Zelnik on the local art market. Important information : The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. Due to the complicated Cultural Laws we will not be able to ship this item outside of the EU nor to the United States. Provenance : This item comes from the collection of Dr. István Zelnik, resulting from more than 50 years of collecting. Former diplomat, Asian Art collector, Researcher. Publications : More than 20 essays on Southeast Asian politics and economy. Co-author of 10 albums and books on Southeast Asian Art.