Prayer Wheel

A small metal cylinder with a raised portion in the middle and writing on the side. It is sitting on a brass tray.
Prayer Wheel from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Tibet
Year: 1897
Materials: Metal 

Prayer wheels originate from China and Tibet in the 4th century as part of a Buddhist prayer tradition. The wheels are typically made of metal, wood, or stone, and have a prayer or mantra carved on the outside. The phrase can vary, though there are some common ones. The wheels are attached to a handle, often made of wood, and are then spun by the handler. The idea is that you are spinning the wheel of Dharma, which are the principles of existence, or that it is a way to recite prayers silently.

The Harris Family likely picked this piece up on their tour to Tibet in 1897. The piece is missing the handle.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.