Say a little prayer

A Buddhist prayer wheel, when spun clockwise, helps to bring good karma and reincarnation in the next life - or so I was told. This is a cheap, non-touristy example from the Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Yunnan. I particularly wanted one that was typical of those used by the local population, rather than a much smarter version created for the tourist market. The lady who sold it to me was initially reluctant as this was the last one of a batch bought for sale in the family shop by her late uncle. She didn't want it to go to someone who would get it home and then throw it away as a useless souvenir. She was persuaded that I was genuinely wanting one and that I would always treasure it. It's a cumbersome thing, apt to fall apart and made of really cheap metal with plastic "jewels" but it's special to me!