What are Job's Tears?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

December 3, 2001

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Killer Picks: Cushion Covers with Job's tears seeds, Stone nativity scene—>Click here.

In southern India, Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi) [co icks' lack' ri ma joe' bi] have been cultivated for at least 4000 years. The seeds are commonly found in archaeological sites. The grass is often growing in rice fields nearby. Archaeologists call the seeds, rice beads. Perhaps this grass merely found a home with the rice and people let it stay because of its beautiful seeds.

But pragmatist archaeologists claim early humans would not have wasted time growing anything that was not edible. Throughout Southeast Asia, the seed is used as a cereal, pounded into flour, added to soups, and fermented into beer and wine. Although extensively used by Asians, the grass is considered a weed in commercial rice fields.

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The teardrop shaped seeds have a hard shiny coat with a hole at the tip where the flower emerges. When the seed drops from the plant, another hole opens at the base which makes them perfect for stringing. In archaeological sites dating to approximately 2000 years ago, large numbers of the seeds have been found arranged in a manner that suggests they were strung as necklaces.

In Japan, the seeds are called juzu dama which means prayer beads referring to the use by Buddhists for their meditations. By the 1400s, this grass was cultivated in southern European monasteries. One hundred-fifty seeds were strung to keep track of daily recitations of the Psalms. This use of beads later evolved into the rosary. It is in the monasteries that the seeds were first called Lachrima Iob (Job's tears). (See What's in a Name? September 28, 2001)

Gerard's Herbal (1633) states, "There is no mention made of this herbe for the use of the physicke (medicinal), only in France and those places (where it is plentifully growing) they do make beads, bracelets, and chains thereof,..."

Henriette Kress has posted photographs of Job's Tears taken at the Helsinki Botanic Garden.

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/plants/coix-lachryma-jobi

Plants of Hawaii has posted photographs of Job's Tears (Coix lachryma-jobi).

http://www.hear.org/starr/plants/images/species/?q=coix+lachryma-jobi

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Karen cotton cushion covers, 'Red Checks' (pair)

NOVICA®

An attractive red and black checkered pattern characterizes this pair of cushion covers, the design representative of the Karen people. Elaborated with a blend of cotton and rayon, they feature crisscrosses of Jobs tears seeds.

The women of the Karen tribe are known for their ikat technique of tie-dyeing and weaving style using a back-strap loom. Karen actually means "weaver" in the tribe’s language.

Boldly embroidered, the covers are sure to lend a unique Thai touch to any room. Features a zipper closure. You save 51% Click here.

Akha cotton cushion covers, 'Appa' (pair)

NOVICA®

Staged on a glorious black cotton background, a floral geometric ensemble evokes the natural beauty and fragrance of blooming flowers. Enhanced with playful tassels and Job's tears seeds woven into the design, this pair of cushion covers is perfect for decorating the living room with a warm Thai accent and is conveniently featured with a button back-closure. Cushions not included. You save 54% Click here.

By trading their colorful handicrafts, the Akha members of the “Thai Tribal Crafts” are improving the quality of life of their people while restoring and reviving traditions and expressions which otherwise, may have been lost forever.

Hailing from the majestic lands of Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, there are about 20,000 Akha natives living in the Northern Hills of Thailand, in villages distinguished by beautifully carved gates and protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its ancestral values through their traditional skills and knowledge.

In the Akha society, women play an important role and have developed great skills and techniques in the manufacture of splendid cotton fabrics. They spin, dye and weave the cotton threads on a foot-powered loom. Finally, the pieces are sewn and decorated with bright colored appliqué, embroidery, feathers, Job’s tears, cowry shells, beads, buttons, coins and silver ornaments.

NOTE: As each item is a unique expression of the artisan's creativity, the products you receive will feature a very similar color and pattern scheme but may not be exactly identical to the one in the photograph.

Stone nativity scene, 'Birth in Huamanga'

NOVICA®

Pristine huamanga stone lends its translucent purity to the first Christmas. Juan Licas Coronado sculpts Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger, detailing the folds of their garments and their serene features.

The three kings kneel with gifts for the Christ child, while a gentle donkey and cow complete the ensemble. Huamanga is quarried in the central sierra of Peru; its texture and color are similar to alabaster.

The set is comprised of nine pieces. You save 52% Click here.