Astrolabe with Hebrew Additions

Muḥammad Ibn al-Ṣaffār

1029/30

Circular, intricate brass object with Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions, geometric markings, and a rotating arm.
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Related Guide

Early Medieval Material Culture

7th to 12th Century

Creator Bio

Muḥammad Ibn al-Ṣaffār

d. 1029
Muḥammad Ibn al-Ṣaffār was a famous Muslim maker of brass astrolabes, who worked first in Córdoba and then in Toledo, in Umayyad al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) and later retired to Denia. Several of his astrolabes survive in museums. His brother Aḥmad (d. 1035) was an important astronomer in Córdoba.

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