An illustration from a manuscript shows Al-Jazari's wudhu machine

Automata of wudhu machines were also described by Al-Jazari in his 'Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices'. One elaborate machine, resembling a peacock, would be brought to each guest, who would tap the peacock's head to make water pour in eight short spurts, providing just enough for ablution. Some machines could even hand you a towel.