The Lestovka is a less known orthodox prayer rope. It was used in old Russia and is still used by Russian old believers today, such as the Russian Orthodox Oldritualist Church.
The lestovka is traditionally constructed of leather, with "steps" made by looping leather around small twig sections. It has a total of 109 "steps" - small loops or knots, unevenly grouped. Lestovkas produced today are often made of vinyl or PVC, and the twig sections are today often replaced with rolls of paper, rubber or even plastic. Most lestovkas are joined to form a large loop, but the older variant, which is a simple rope unjoined at the ends, may still occasionally be found. See full info here.
Although not so common today, it still is a beautiful prayer rope and can still be bought in Russia. Because it comes in many forms with different prints and woven patterns incorporated on them people have started collecting them.
Here are some pictures:
The lestovka is traditionally constructed of leather, with "steps" made by looping leather around small twig sections. It has a total of 109 "steps" - small loops or knots, unevenly grouped. Lestovkas produced today are often made of vinyl or PVC, and the twig sections are today often replaced with rolls of paper, rubber or even plastic. Most lestovkas are joined to form a large loop, but the older variant, which is a simple rope unjoined at the ends, may still occasionally be found. See full info here.
Although not so common today, it still is a beautiful prayer rope and can still be bought in Russia. Because it comes in many forms with different prints and woven patterns incorporated on them people have started collecting them.
Here are some pictures:
