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19th Century Indian Brass Qibla Compass

About the Item

19th Century Indian etched brass Qibla compass. The compass with brass needle and glass cover, the reverse engraved with tables. 4.2 inches high 2.3 wide A qibla (qiblah) compass (sometimes also called qibla/qiblah indicator or qiblanuma) is a modified compass used by Muslims to indicate the direction to face to perform prayers. In Islam, this direction is called qibla, and points towards the city of Mecca and specifically to the Kaaba. While the compass, like any other compass, points north, the direction of prayer is indicated by marks on the perimeter of the dial, corresponding to different cities, or by a second pointer set by the user according to their own location. To determine the proper direction, one has to know with some precision both the longitude and latitude of one's own location and those of Mecca, the city toward which one must face. Once that is determined, the values are applied to a spherical triangle, and the angle from the local meridian to the required direction of Mecca can be determined.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.2 in (10.67 cm)Width: 2.3 in (5.85 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
  • Style:
    Anglo-Indian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Glass,Etched
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1890
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Some oxidation around the glass compass, otherwise in very good condition.
  • Seller Location:
    Stamford, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU803043462272

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