Special Exhibition Label: 'Al-Mizan: Sciences and Arts in the Islamic World' (26/10/2010 - 20/03/2011)
Balance
Level Balance
The word al-Mizan can mean a level as well as a balance. The two instruments are similar in their operation. When the index of a balance points vertically upwards the weights are equal; when the weighted line of a plumb level hangs vertically downwards the instrument indicates a true level. The weight and line of this bronze example are now missing. It is striking that this seemingly mundane device-used by surveyors, builders and engineers-is extensively decorated, from the birds' heads at the top to the interlaced openwork patterns engraved with foliate tendrils.
MHS inv. 47279 (left)