Author
Ibrahim bin Saeed Al-Sahli.
Author Original
إبراهيم بن سعيد السهلي
Publication Date
459 / 1067
Publication Place
-
National Archaeological Museum
Subject
Melted and carved brass.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
السماكة القصوى: 1.9 سم؛ القطر: 24.2 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
50762
Record ID
object;ISL;es;Mus01;17;ar
Library Location
National Archaeological Museum
Date
459 / 1067
Notes
A circular astrolabe, made of brass (shabhan), and composed of four main parts: a case or “mould” containing five plates representing five regions, a grid or “perforated plate” with guides for twenty-four stars, and an astrolabe ruler. On the nape, also called the back, there is a zodiacal calendar and a scale for measuring heights called the “square of shadows.” Astrolabes are instruments that have multiple uses, enabling them to calculate the position of the sun and stars. It is suitable as a calendar, a clock, and a tool for measuring heights and distances. It was also used in sailing until the period when it was replaced by the quarter. These astrolabes were extremely useful for calculating time, both during the day and at night, and for determining prayer times. This instrument was made in Toledo by the astrolabe maker, Ibrahim ibn Said al-Sahli, whose name is inscribed on the back in an inscription in Arabic letters, as well as the date of manufacture, in the year 459 / AD 1067. We preserve two other astrolabes and a celestial globe signed by the same craftsman. This astrolabe, preserved in the National Archaeological Museum, presents all the features of the Andalusian astrolabes that were very popular during the Caliphate period and that continued to be manufactured in the various Taifi kingdoms, as is the case in Toledo.
Sample Text
M.ª del Carmen Alonso Rodríguez “Astrolabe” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;es;Mus01;17;ar
