Triangle-shaped Ornamental Headgear Decorated with Corals

This is Tibetan head ornament called a "Pahchu," meaning "crown of beads". Variations of the pahchu are popular throughout Tibet. The frame is usually made of wool or cloth, and then decorated with pearls, agate, coral, or turquoise. The most precious pahchu are the ones covered with pearls, followed by those covered with the coral. In the past, pahchu were used to signify social hierachies: only hereditary noble women could wear pearl pahchu, while ordinary noble women wore coral ones.