In April 1998, the first Komboloi (Worrybead) Museum – so far the only one in the world – was founded in Nafplio by Aris Evangelinos and Rallou Gromitsari, who have been collecting and studying the komboloi since 1970′. Mr. Evangelinos’ grandfather lived in Alexandria of Egypt, from whom they took their first lessons and learned the ‘secrets’ of the Komboloi.
They start their journey on the “roads of komboloi” in 1963, a journey still continuing till today. They collect knowledge along with rare old strings of beads (kombolois and prayer beads) from all over the world- from Hinduists, Buddhists, Muslims, Catholics and Greeks- from countries where the Greek nation prospered. Thus, they have acquired a unique collection part of which is exhibited at the Museum (upper floor). The exhibited string of beads date approximately between 1550 and 1950.
This unique collection is placed in four halls, following a historic root:
A: Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim Prayer beads
B: Christian Orthodox and Catholic Prayer beads
C&D: Greek Kombolois (Worry beads)
The Museum has hosted more than 350.000 visitors since its opening.The Komboloi Museum is accommodated in a privately-owned two-storey building in the old city of Nafplion, at 25 Staikopoulou street.
The exhibition halls (museum) are situated on the upper floor.
The Museum Workshop is on the ground floor. Its purpose is to conserve the old strings of beads and also produce exact replicas of the ones exhibited at the museum. The conservation of old strings of beads, which are family heirloom, is free of charge.
All the kombolois produced in the Museum Workshop can be found in the Museum Shop, which is also situated on the ground floor.
The Museum operates under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture.
The purpose and mission of Komboloi Museum is to pre-serve the traditional
Geographical Coordinates
Staikopoulou 25, Nafplio 211 00
For more information: Museum of Komboloi, e-mail: [email protected]
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