Celestial Globe
17th century-18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
For centuries, the astronomers of the Islamic Middle East led the world in their knowledge of the heavens. Astronomical instruments such as globes and astrolabes were produced in large numbers to a very high standard.
Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example.
Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Brass, engraved |
| Brief description | Celestial globe on a stand |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Summary | For centuries, the astronomers of the Islamic Middle East led the world in their knowledge of the heavens. Astronomical instruments such as globes and astrolabes were produced in large numbers to a very high standard. Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example. |
| Bibliographic reference | Emilie Savage-Smith, Islamicate Celestial Globes: Their History, Construction and Use, Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985, pp.257-8, no.79. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1149A-1883 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 17, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
