Ancient Egyptian Altitude Sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1000-800 BCE
This object is an ancient Egyptian altitude sundial, also known as a shadow clock, crafted from pine wood. It consists of a long horizontal wooden base board featuring surface markings intended to indicate units of time, and a raised horizontal gnomon supported by two uprights.
The device functions by orienting the horizontal bar toward the sun, which casts a shadow across the base board to measure time. This mechanism was used to time various tasks, including the activities of labourers or the regulation of water flow in irrigation systems. The object is attributed to an unknown maker and dated to the period between 1000 and 800 BCE. Its design reflects a method of timekeeping documented as still being utilized in Egypt during the early 20th century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1000-800 BCE
- Type
- Shadow clock
- Depth
- 120 mm
- Maker
- Unknown
- Width
- 1190 mm
- Height
- 125 mm
- Material
- Pine wood
- Place recorded
- Egypt
- Maker / attribution
- Unknown maker
Design
- Visible features
- • Constructed of plain pine wood with visible grain texture. • Features a horizontal gnomon beam mounted between two vertical supports. • Longitudinal base board contains faint indentations or markings.
- Physical Construction
- The sundial is constructed primarily from pine wood and features an elongated base measuring 1190 mm in length. The board is roughly 120 mm deep and supports a gnomon assembly centrally located along its length. The shadow-casting mechanism comprises two vertical uprights that hold a raised horizontal wooden bar. This horizontal member is designed to face the sun to cast a shadow onto the base board, which is inscribed with markings to denote intervals of time.
- Function and Operation
- The device functions as an altitude sundial, using the shadow cast by the elevated crossbar onto the calibrated base to determine the time. The user would align the horizontal component toward the sun's position. Historically, this configuration of shadow clock was used to manage human activity and resource distribution, specifically for timing the work of labourers or managing irrigation water flow. The mechanism is identified as a type that remained in service in Egypt as recently as the early 20th century.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This object is held in the museum collection under accession number 1926-992. The object is attributed to an unknown maker in Egypt, dated to between 1000 and 800 BCE. The credit for the object is recorded to Mr. W. M. Hayes. The museum description clarifies that while the piece is ancient, the operating principle behind the design has historical continuity with instruments used much later in the region.
Identification
- Accession Number
- 1926-992
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The dating to 1000-800 BCE remains an attribution without specific archaeological context provided.
- Research required: The functional use of this specific piece for irrigation is reported as general historical context for the type.