Here is an Exquisite prayer box from Tibet. Followers of tibetian Buddhism used these boxes for prayer. They are portable shrines that the person who owns them houses their personal beliefs and sacred objects. Have been told the homemade holder and strap is made of silk.

I have not tried to open this which it is meant to be removable but due to the age, I left it in the original state in which it was found. Some tarnish to be expected from age.

While at home these are typically housed on an altar or when traveling they would be worn around the neck or fastened to a belt. It is believed the object provides protection from evil.

The others I have seen appear to be made of silver and copper but I do not know the exact makeup of this particular one. It is believed that this box dates back to the late 19th century and is surely a must have for the collector of rarities.