Computing Machine

Object/Artifact

-

The Civilization of Llhuros

COMPUTING MACHINE | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Norman Daly Art: The slightly angled object has a textured, metallic surface and a hinged panel on the right that displays a grid of small, evenly spaced holes or slots, each containing distinct brass beads of various shapes and sizes, arranged meticulously, suggesting a specific function , while the left side of the object shows a smooth, slightly weathered surface with subtle signs of corrosion and a stylized phallic shape.
COMPUTING MACHINE | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Norman Daly Art

The slightly angled object has a textured, metallic surface and a hinged panel on the right that displays a grid of small, evenly spaced holes or slots, each containing distinct brass beads of various shapes and sizes, arranged meticulously, suggesting a specific function , while the left side of the object shows a smooth, slightly weathered surface with subtle signs of corrosion and a stylized phallic shape.

Name/Title

Computing Machine

Entry/Object ID

COL.83

Description

Unlike historical abaci of sliding units, this Llhuroscian type of abacus used a squared digit as the count field with fixed units. Because each unit is subdivided into three sections, the position of the twenty-seven numerals governs the count. This complex field records equations in trillion multiples. Perhaps even more remarkable is the mathematical fact that division and multiplication follow accurately by readings on a ninety-six degree angle from bottom left upward to top right downward, respectively. <em>Lent by the Villere Freres Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland.</em>

Category

Middle Period, Draikum

Made/Created

Artist

Norman Daly

Date made

circa 1966 - 1971

Place

Academic Institution

Cornell University

City

Ithaca, New York

Continent

North America

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Region

Asia Minor

Culture/Tribe

Llhuros

Dimensions

Height

12-1/4 in

Width

10-1/4 in

Depth

3/8 in

Materials

Material

Wood, Metal

Material Notes

Fictional medium as described by Norman Daly in the catalog and exhibition tags. Actual media are wood with faux surface treatment and small metal bead attachments.

Acquisition

Notes

This object is a unique element of the "Civilization of Llhuros" collection given to the Cornell University Anthropology Collaboratory in 2026.

Exhibitions

Akron Art Institute (1972)
Cornell University | A.D. White Museum of Art (1972)
Indianapolis Art Museum (1972)
Istanbul Biennial, 16th | "The Seventh Continent" (2019)
Memorial Art Gallery | University of Rochester (1972)
Roberson Center for Art and Science, Binghamton, NY (1974)
Romische-Germanisches Museum | "Projekt '74" | Cologne Germany (1974)
SUNY Albany | Art Gallery (1973}
University of Pennsylvania Art Museum, Philadelphia (1974)