Prayer Wheel

Name/Title

Prayer Wheel

Entry/Object ID

1998.11.26

Description

Prayer wheel with filigree decoration and stones.

Acquisition

Accession

1998.11

Source or Donor

Albert R. Spalding, Virginia Spalding

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Albert R. and Virginia Spalding

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Wheel, Prayer

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Religious Objects

Nomenclature Class

Ceremonial Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Height when fully assembled

Height

9 in

Material

copper based alloy, Wood, Stone, Lead

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

"Hindus have lived in Afghanistan for centuries though most fled during the wars of recent decades and the repressive Taliban rule. Very few remain. They lived primarily in Kandahar, Kabul and some rural areas. This prayer wheel is related to the presence of Hindu beliefs shared by a small portion of Afghanistan's populace. Its primary function is for repeating mantras. With each revolution, the prayers printed on the enclosed paper are offered."