zube

Ingredients

lampblack, cottonseed oil, animal fat, ivory, wood of the desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca), honey, sugar, date pulp, egg white, egg yolk, gum

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Zube ink is a refined lampblack-type carbon ink. The carbon is obtained by burning various oils such as cottonseed oil, animal fat, ivory, or the wood of the desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) (p. 23). This carbon is ground into an extremely fine and uniform powder. The quality is highly dependent on the time taken for preparation. The ink is mixed with gum (k’aro in Hausa) to provide a glossy, shiny appearance (p. 23). Additional modifiers include honey, sugar, or date pulp, which act as plasticizers to contribute smoothness and improve the flow from a reed pen. Egg white or egg yolk may also be added to enhance the binding properties and stability of the mixture (p. 23).

Evidence

"Examination of old allo and manuscript folio confirms the use of coarse carbon tawada on allo and refined lampblack-like zube on paper. Zube is dense black because the carbon particles can be ground extremely fine and uniform in size."

Remarks

Zube is associated with high-status calligraphy, specifically in fine Qur’ans from Kano and Bornu (p. 23). It is noted for its hard-edged and opaque appearance, which is particularly suited for the local script styles derived from North African traditions (p. 23). However, it remains highly water-soluble despite the high gum content (p. 23).