Akha Coaster with Job’s Tear Seed Beads (Set of 4)

Job’s tears (Coix, Gramineae), also known as mak deuay in Lao language, is a grass with long stems and leaves that resemble corn. The four wild species and three wild varieties of Job’s tears are all native to the Southeast Asia region, and are usually found on river edges or in swamps in natural habitats. In Southeast Asia, Job’s tears have been utilized for three main purposes:

1) Food: The domesticated variety has been cultivated as a cereal. After harvesting, boiled or steamed grains are eaten for everyday meals and as snacks and sweets. 

2) Medicine: Herbal medicines are prepared from the roots, stems, leaves and/or seeds of wild species for treatment of internal diseases and skin ailments.

3) Beads: People gather the hard-shelled fruits from the wild species of Job’s tears, and use them as beads in handicrafts and traditional costumes.

Our hand-spun, soft organic cotton coasters are crafted by Akha artisans. Each one is complimented with a double row of natural (and frankly magical) Job’s tear seed beads. Get one in each colour with delicate hand stitched patterns.

Learn more about this incredible seed bead and all the ethnic groups and makers we work with!

DIMENSIONS: 11x11cm

MATERIAL: Hand-spun cotton and Job’s tear seeds

SKU: 121-4-1