Al Jazari’s Elephant Clock at Sharjah Museum for Islamic Civilisation, UAE

Al Jazari's Elephant Clock (c. 600 AH / 1200AD) at Sharjah Museum for Islamic Civilisation, Sharjah, UAE...

Al Jazari’s Elephant Clock (c. 600 AH / 1200AD) at Sharjah Museum for Islamic Civilisation, Sharjah, UAE. 13.05.2012.

This model is based on the description in Al Jazari’s book (c. 600 AH / 1200 AD). Hidden inside the elephant is a water powered mechanism which causes a driver figurine to move its whip and strike the drum. Moreover, it makes the bird on the top rotate and the two other birds drop metal balls from their beaks in the gaping mouths of the two dragons. The weight causes the latter to decline slowly and ultimately drop the balls in two deep bowls and from there further down. This activity marks the passing of a half hour.

Video by: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf.