Oni Necklace

Oni is a West African name meaning “desired” and it’s also a Yoruba (of Nigeria) name meaning “born in a sacred location”. The Oni Necklace features an amulet pendant that portrays the image of Mahakala, a wrathful deity of Tibetan Buddhists. He is also a protector of the faith, who assumes the fierce and powerful form of Avalokiteshvara, the enlightened being of compassion. He wears a crown of five skulls, symbolising the transmutation of the five afflictions into the five wisdoms of Buddha.

According to the legend, the special powers of Mahakala goes back to Avalokiteshvara’s vow to remain in the mortal world and not reach Buddhahood until all sentient beings were enlightened. After helping many people he saw no decrease in suffering, but rather an increase in defilements. He became discouraged, but after deep reflection and with renewed determination, he resolved that by assuming a wrathful form he would be able to rapidly and effectively defeat obstacles to the happiness of others.

With this thought, the syllable HUM in dark blue colour emerged from his heart, immediately becoming the Instantaneous Protector of Wisdom, Mahakala. The birth of Mahakala was followed by an earthquake. With one voice the Buddhas in heaven declared that he would have the power to grant all wishes if the wishes were honest and good.

The Mahakala amulet hangs off three strands of royal blue flower shaped glass beads from Ghana. These, together with the painted off-white beads, are made from recycled glass by the Krobo tribe from West Africa using ancient techniques.

This Oni Necklace exudes a vibrant energy and beautifully blends elements from different cultures to make a really unique eye-catching statement piece.