Document
An early Portuguese mariner's astrolabe from the sodré Wreck-site, Al Hallaniyah, Oman.
Identifier
DOI: 10.1111/1095-9270.12353
Source
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. v. 48, 2, p. 495-506
Contributors
Warnett, Jason M., Author
Williams, Mark A. , Author
Country
United Kingdom.
City
Oxford
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Gregorian
2019-01-01
Language
English
English abstract
A unique leaded-gunmetal disc decorated with iconic Portuguese markings was recovered in 2014 during archaeological excavations at the Sodré shipwreck site in Al Hallaniyah, Oman. Initially the identity and function of the disc was unknown, although it did possess characteristics suggesting it could be an astrolabe. Laser imaging of the disc post conservation revealed regular scale marks on the limb of its upper right quadrant. Accurate digital measurements of the marks show them to be graded at close to 5-degree intervals, thus confirming the identity of the disc as a mariner's astrolabe and the earliest known example discovered to date.
ISSN
1057-2414
Category
Journal articles