Astrolabe by Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Baṭṭuṭī
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1733/4 (A.H. 1146)
This brass astrolabe was made by Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Baṭṭuṭī in 1733/4 (A.H. 1146). The instrument features a moorish arch type throne with an integrated base, a simple round-section ring, and a rotating pin shackle.
The mater and limb are of two-piece soldered and riveted construction. The rete is of the indicator-line type, displaying 26 stars marked with dagger pointers and featuring trefoil-shaped bases. The back of the instrument contains seven scales, including altitude, zodiacal signs, a calendar, sine/cosine, unequal hours, and shadow squares. An extensive Arabic inscription on the back records that the astrolabe was given as a bequest to the minaret of the Mulla Idrīs mosque in Fez. , and a fixed, non-original replacement alidade with decorative scroll work near the pivot hole.
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
- 1733/4 (A.H. 1146)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, North Africa
- Maker
- Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Baṭṭuṭī
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Place recorded
- Morocco
- Rete star count
- 26
- Maker / attribution
- Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Baṭṭuṭī
Design
- Visible features
- • Decorative trefoil-shaped bases on rete star pointers • Moorish arch type throne • Fixed, double-ended alidade with scroll work • Inscription within hour-line diagram on back
- Scales and Components
- The back of the instrument contains seven distinct scales for astronomical and timekeeping calculations, including altitude, zodiacal signs, calendar, sine/cosine, unequal hours, and shadow squares. The shadow squares are located in the lower quadrants and are numbered in fingers. The alidade is double-ended, fixed, and identified as a replacement. It features decorative scroll work near the pivot hole. There are two plates included, which provide latitudes ranging from 30°0' to 36°0'. The instrument also incorporates lines specifically for calculating Muslim prayer times.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed of brass, utilizing a two-piece soldered and riveted method for the mater and limb. The throne is fashioned in a moorish arch style with an integrated base, supporting a simple round-section ring and a rotating pin shackle. The notch designed for securing the tympans is positioned at the throne. The rete is characterized as an indicator-line type, featuring four knobs used for rotation. It displays 26 stars, each indicated by a dagger pointer with distinctive trefoil-shaped bases. The instrument is held together by a pin and wedge; however, the auction description reports that the long pin currently present may not be original to the device.
- Inscriptions and Provenance
- The back of the instrument carries a significant Arabic inscription located within the hour-line diagram. It identifies the object as a religious bequest given to the minaret of the Mulla Idrīs mosque in Fez, Morocco. The text records the donor as a jurist named Muḥammad, son of the deceased. The provenance of the astrolabe is traced through the collection of Henri Michel of Brussels, which was acquired by J. A. Billmeir circa 1950. The object was subsequently presented to the museum in 1957. The inscription itself acts as a record of the instrument's historical function as a pious donation.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 51459
- 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 central pin may not be original
- Research required: The alidade is a reported replacement
- Research required: Interpretation of the Arabic inscription includes a question mark regarding the phrasing