An ivory feng shui compass dating back to the end of the 19th-early 20th century has been discovered in the central province of Ha Tinh, according to the provincial Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.
The handmade compass measures 10cm in diametre and 1.5cm thick. It has been handed down through generations of the family of a local man named Phan Le Sy, who lives in the province's Huong Khe District.
The main face of the compass is covered in circles surrounded by varying numbers of Han (Chinese script) characters.
Local scientists said the compass was used for geomancy, a type of divination.
Most compasses of that era were made from wood, which makes this find particularly special, they added.