Kombolói

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Kombologion is also a subgenus of the gastropod mollusc genus Calliostoma

Kombológia of different materials: turquoise, obsidian, Faturan and yemeni amber

Komboloi, kompoloi (Greek κομπολόι, pronounced [komboˈloj] or [koboˈloj]), or (Greek) worry beads are a Greek fidget toy, used to relieve stress and generally pass the time.

[edit] Etymology

Modern κομπολόι is derived from medieval κομβολόγιον < κόμβος 'knot' + λόγιο 'collection'.

[edit] Similarities

Komboloi worry beads resemble prayer beads, but, unlike them, bear no religious significance. They are merely an instrument of relaxation and stress management.

[edit] Features

Greek komboloi with secular national or historic symbols accompanying them are often sold to tourists.

Komboloi are constructed from any type of bead, although amber, amber resin (such as faturan) and coral are preferred, as they are thought to be more pleasant to handle than non-organic materials such as metal or minerals.

Greek komboloi generally have an odd number of beads (usually a multiplication of 4+1, e.g. (4x4)+1, (5x4)+1, and so on) and usually have a "head" composed of a fixed bead (παπάς 'priest'), a shield (θυρεός) to separate the two threads and help the beads to flow freely, and a tassel (φούντα). Usually the length of a komboloi is approximately two palm widths.

A variation of the komboloi with an especially long string, often with only two beads, is known as begleri.

[edit] Origins

The origin of the Greek komboloi is debated. It may derive from the komboskini used by Orthodox monks or the Islamic Misbaha. Armenians also have their own worry beads which serve the same purpose as the komboloi and are also non-religious in nature.

[edit] References

• Aris Evangelinos, The Komboloi and Its History, Komboloi Museum Publications (1998)
• Tasos Thomaidis, The road of Man and worry beads, Tasos Thomaidis Publications (2001)ISBN 960-87105-1-0