Astrolabe after 1796

This astrolabe was skillfully crafted from brass, by an anonymous maker, sometime in the past. As a navigational instrument, it's both a scientific device and a testament to sophisticated metalworking. The astrolabe's intricate design bears witness to the expertise required to shape and etch the brass. Imagine the maker using tools to cut and engrave the various scales, pointers, and celestial markers. These required a high degree of precision. The detailed zodiac symbols and inscriptions speak to a rich tradition of astronomical knowledge. The very making of the instrument, and the knowledge required to do so, would have been a closely held skill, passed down through generations. The value of this object lies not just in its function, but also in the labor and expertise that went into its making. By considering the craft and the context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the object itself.