Octant met toebehoren in mahoniehouten kist c. 1840 - 1863

Here we see an octant with accessories in a mahogany wooden box, crafted by George Whitbread. Enclosed in its crafted wooden box, this navigation instrument evokes the age of exploration, an era marked by the crossing of oceans and the mapping of the globe. Yet, this history is deeply intertwined with the narratives of colonialism, trade, and the exploitation of both human beings and natural resources. This object allows us to consider the lives of sailors, navigators, and explorers and also invites us to reflect on the experiences of those who were displaced, enslaved, or otherwise affected by these voyages. The octant enabled the calculation of latitude, a crucial tool for maritime navigation. It reminds us that the progress of science and technology is bound to the complexities of human relationships. As we gaze upon this instrument, let us consider its role not only in charting the seas, but also in shaping the historical currents of power, identity, and cultural exchange.