Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1970.001.098 |
Object Name |
Wheel, Prayer |
Description |
This Tibetan hand prayer wheel was acquired in Nepal from a Tibetan refugee. Traditionally, prayer wheels consist of a cylindrical wheel on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather, or course cotton. The mantra or prayer is usually written on the outside of the cylinder in Sanskrit. The earliest record of prayer wheels was written around 400 C.E. by a Chinese pilgrim. In Tibet, the most common form of these objects is the hand prayer wheel. These consist of a metal cylinder and a handle which also serves as the axis for the cylinder to revolve on. In the donor's notes on this piece, Nat T. Winston, Jr. is careful to point out that the prayer wheel "is authentic and the prayer is written on the outside of the metal cylinder. The monk spins the prayer and each time it makes a revolution it sends the entire prayer heaven-ward." It is possible that this prayer wheel was acquired in the Ladakh region, where sanctuary was offered to Tibetan refugees. According to the donor, Nat T. Winston, Jr., this Tibetan prayer wheel was purchased by Naomi Frances Coblentz Winston (1898 - 1985). Naomi was the wife of Nat T. Winston, Sr. and the mother of Nat T. Winston, Jr. The estimated date of creation of this artifact is c. 19th century, but it would have been purchased and acquired by the Winstons in the early- or mid-20th century. |
Date |
c. 19th century |
Collection |
Nat T. Winston Collection |
Place of Origin |
Asia/China (Tibet) |
Material |
metal, wood |
Subjects |
religious and ceremonial items |
Search Terms |
sacred |