Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Battuti Brass Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1738-1739
This brass astrolabe is recorded as made by Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Battuti, dated to 1151 AH (1738–1739 CE). The source notes al-Battuti and Hasan ibn Ahmad as key representatives of the astrolabe-making tradition in the Islamic West.
The instrument incorporates a throne design with compass influenced by Safavid Iranian models. A magnetic compass of French fabrication is set into the front of the throne. Supported by a vertical pivot with a hollow sphere and suspension ring, the instrument contains eight plates and a rete with 25 star pointers. The mater interior contains an engraved chronological table with Julian and Hijra perpetual calendars.
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
- Type
- Scientific instrument
- Maker
- Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Battuti
- Date made
- 1738-1739
- Materials
- Silver, Glass, Brass
- Object ID
- AST0532
- Hijra Date
- 1151 AH
- Plate count
- Eight plates
- Star pointers
- 25
- Maker / attribution
- Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Battuti
Design
- Visible features
- • Integrated circular compass set into the upper throne below the pivot • Openwork brass rete adorned with circular silver-studded star pointers • Large rounded suspension ring attached to a vertical swivel mount • Engraved scale markings and Arabic calligraphy along the outer rim and plate faces
- Design and Components
- The triangular throne features a magnetic compass of French fabrication on its front, which the source suggests is an appropriation of Safavid Iranian throne design. The brass rete features 25 star pointers. The reverse of the instrument includes two altitude scales and eight concentric circular bands containing zodiacal and calendrical scales.
- Physical Configuration
- The astrolabe is composed of brass, silver, and glass, with an overall diameter of 160 mm. It features a vertical pivot with a hollow sphere and a large suspension ring to allow rotation. The instrument contains eight plates, six of which are engraved for latitudes between Mecca and the northern polar circle. The mater contains an engraved chronological table with perpetual calendars for the Julian and Hijra eras.
- Attribution and Chronology
- The instrument is identified by an Arabic inscription on the reverse of the throne naming Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Battuti as the maker. The inscription provides a date of 1151 AH (1738–1739 CE). Al-Battuti and Hasan ibn Ahmad (presumed to be his brother) are described as the final representatives of the astrolabe-making tradition in the Islamic West.
Identification
- Reference
- AST0532
- 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: Specific country of manufacture is not explicitly designated beyond general Islamic West attribution
- Research required: The back of the astrolabe showing the two altitude scales and calendar bands is not depicted in Photo 0