Astrolabe with Hebrew Markings
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 14th century
This is a gilt brass astrolabe measuring 92 mm in diameter, featuring significant engravings in Hebrew script. It is an unsigned instrument that includes a throne with a pierced quatrefoil design composed of three metal layers.
The rete displays a semi-quatrefoil pattern, with star-pointers shaped like bent daggers, and utilizes a double counterchanged equinoctial bar with two small knobs. The instrument is equipped with five plates for various latitudes ranging from 33 to 43 degrees, marked with coordinates and unequal hour lines. The back of the instrument features an altitude scale, a zodiacal scale, and an eccentric calendar scale alongside a double shadow scale and horary quadrants.
The instrument was formerly part of the Spitzer collection and was acquired by the British Museum in 1893.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Iberian astrolabe
- Diameter
- 92 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Collection
- British Museum
- Provenance
- Spitzer collection
- Place recorded
- Spain
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced quatrefoil design on the throne • Star-pointers in the shape of bent daggers on the rete • Alphanumerical notation used for scales
- Scales and Markings
- The instrument is notable for its Hebrew inscriptions. The rete displays star names in a mix of Hebrew and Arabic, while the ecliptic features the names of zodiacal signs in Hebrew. The interior of the mater is engraved with two sets of circular scales, including a 28-year solar cycle, weekday numbering, and month names in transliterated forms such as 'Yanir' and 'Febrir'. The reverse side of the instrument contains an altitude scale, a zodiacal scale with degree divisions, and an eccentric calendar scale. Furthermore, the base contains a double shadow scale and two horary quadrants dedicated to unequal hours. All numerical data on these scales is presented using alphanumerical notation.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed from gilt brass and measures 92 mm in diameter. Its throne is distinguished by a pierced quatrefoil design, crafted from three distinct layers of metal. The interior rim of the mater includes a recess positioned at 12 o'clock, intended to accommodate the tongues of the various plates, and the rim itself is secured to the backplate via rivets. The rete features a semi-quatrefoil motif and incorporates star-pointers designed as bent daggers. For operational ease, the double counterchanged equinoctial bar is fitted with small knobs on either side, which serve as handles for rotating the component. The instrument includes five individual plates, each engraved on both sides to support different latitudes ranging from 33 to 43 degrees.
- History and Documentation
- This astrolabe was previously documented as part of the Spitzer collection before its acquisition by the British Museum in 1893. While the instrument bears no signature or date, historical research suggests a mid-14th-century origin in Spain, based on its stylistic characteristics and the specific month names employed in the calendar. The astrolabe is identified in the literature by its registration number MLA 1893,6-16.3. It has been examined in comparative studies of Hebrew-marked astrolabes, specifically those referenced in catalogues of the British Museum and research by B. Goldstein regarding similar instruments held in international collections.
Identification
- Accession number
- MLA 1893,6-16.3
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Date is marked with a question mark by the source suggesting a mid-14th century origin
- Research required: Attribution to Spain is based on stylistic analysis and month names rather than an explicit maker's signature