Astrolabe by 'Abdullah ibn Sāsī
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1687/8 (A.H. 1099)
This planispheric astrolabe, crafted from brass in Morocco during 1687/8 (A.H. 1099), is signed by the maker 'Abdullah ibn Sāsī. The instrument features a simple, engraved throne with an integrated base, supporting an eye-bolt type shackle and a round cross-section ring.
The rete is of the maghribi type with two knobs, though these are currently missing; it incorporates 25 star pointers in the shape of daggers and features a zodiac labeled in Arabic. The construction includes two plates covering latitudes from 32° to 35°. The alidade is double-ended and rigid, featuring decorative elements. The object is held in the History of Science Museum, Oxford, having been presented by Lewis Evans in 1924, who acquired it via the dealer Percy Webster.
The instrument utilizes a pin and wedge mechanism for assembly.
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
- 1687/8 (A.H. 1099)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, North Africa
- Maker
- 'Abdullah ibn Sāsī
- Dealer
- Percy Webster
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Star count
- 25
- Place recorded
- Morocco
- Maker / attribution
- 'Abdullah ibn Sāsī
- Place of manufacture
- Morocco
Design
- Visible features
- • The rete features star indicators shaped as daggers. • The throne bears an inscription and the date 1099. • The instrument includes a double-ended, decorative alidade. • The rete is designed with a Maghribi two-knob configuration, now missing the knobs.
- Provenance and History
- The astrolabe was incorporated into the History of Science Museum collection in Oxford following a gift from Lewis Evans in 1924. Its recorded history traces back to the early 20th century through the London antique trade. Evans obtained the piece from Percy Webster in 1918. Records indicate that Webster had previously secured the object through a Paris-based dealer named Gélis. The item is cataloged under the inventory number 45220 and is associated with the accession number 1924-0/2020.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass and exhibits a traditional planispheric design consistent with the period of manufacture. The throne is of a simple engraved type, secured with an integrated base, and serves as the mounting point for an eye-bolt type shackle and a simple, circular ring. The rete displays a maghribi style with two distinct knob positions, which are absent in the current state of the instrument. The rete features a zodiac scale and identifies 25 stars using dagger-shaped pointers. The assembly of the central components is maintained via a pin and wedge mechanism. The device includes two internal plates designed for specific latitudes ranging between 32°0' and 35°0'.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The instrument includes specific epigraphic details that identify both the period and the artisan. The front of the throne bears the date 1099 (A.H.), corresponding to 1687/8. The back of the throne incorporates the signature of the maker, 'Abdullah ibn Sāsī. The rete is inscribed with the names of the zodiac signs in Arabic, corresponding to the twelve signs of the ecliptic. Each star pointer is marked in relation to the rete's geometric arrangement, facilitating astronomical observations according to the instrument's designated latitudes.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 45220
- 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 two knobs of the rete are noted as missing.
- Research required: The exact provenance prior to its acquisition by dealer Gélis remains undocumented in the source.