Himalayan crafts are beautiful accessories that can be given as gifts or used to decorate your home or teach about Himalayan culture or religion. Religion, specifically Hinduism and Buddhism, is a central part of Himalayan culture and crafting. Crafts, such as prayer stones and beads, pottery and sewn goods are made from a variety of materials, including gray river stone, rosewood, sandalwood and rudraksha tree, terra cotta and silk. Himalayan markets and specialty local and online retailers sell Himalayan crafts from across the region, including Tibet, Nepal and northern India.
Prayer Stones
Prayer stones are commonly made in Tibet and crafted from smooth river stones. Although some Tibetan artists create these religious pieces, prayer stones are commonly carved and painted by Buddhists on pilgrimage as part of the celebration of Buddha, according to A World of Good. These Himalayan crafts are usually inscribed with Buddhist symbols and prayers and painted with black, which represents the element air, and red, which represents wisdom and the element fire. Prayer stone prices vary depending the stone's size and elaboration.
Rosewood, Rudraksha and Sandalwood Prayer Beads
Prayer beads made from rosewood, sandalwood and rudraksha are popular Tibetan and Nepalese Hindu and Buddhist crafts that are used to protect against evil spirits and bring peace and luck. These crafts are often strung together with red and yellow string, which symbolizes wisdom and pride, according to Religion Facts, and they come in a range of bracelet and necklace sizes. Rosewood beads, which are made from the rosewood tree, are glossy and dark red, while sandalwood is smooth with varying shades of brown. Rudraksha beads, which are small seeds from the rudraksha tree, are rich brown and uniquely textured with deep crevasses and winding protruding formations. Prayer beads range from $5 to $30 depending on their size and retailer, as of 2011.
Terra Cotta Dragons
These unique and symbolic Himalayan crafts are made from terra cotta, which is clay-based ceramic, and symbolize happiness, according to A World of Good. Terra cotta dragons are commonly crafted in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and range from a few inches to nearly a foot long. While all dragons are crafted with intricate detail and design, some are created as incense holders and have holes on their tails and scoops in their backs, while others are made simply for decoration. Terra cotta dragons range from $5 to around $40 depending on the size, embellishment and retailer, as of 2011.
Fabric Pouches
Fabric pouches are Himalayan crafts made by Tibetan seamstresses using Indian silk or cotton fabric and drawstrings. These small crafts are typically made in a variety of bright colors, such as red, yellow, purple, blue, green and pink, and are meant to hold jewelry, coins and other small items. Fabric pouches can be found in Himalayan markets and special retailers, and run from a few dollars up to $20 depending on the materials and size, as of 2011.



