The compass opened the world to exploration and discovery. Invented thousands of years ago in China, it was mainly used by feng shui priests hired to advise on how and where to build. Today, the compass is still a basic tool, a magnetized needle that rotates on a vertical pin and points to the magnetic north of the Earth. 16th-century sailors accustomed to following coastlines could suddenly cross oceans. Seafarers now developed a compass course, but still used their age-old knowledge of steering for fixed stars, ocean currents and prevailing winds to determine the position. Colour: Polished Material: brass & glass Dimensions: LxWxH: 5.5 x 5.5 x 2 cm