ferro-tannic inks
Nigeria
19th Century
Source: Last, M. (2008). THE BOOK IN THE SOKOTO CALIPHATE. In: The Meanings of Timbuktu. HSRC Press.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
locally manufactured
Preparation Steps
The text states that 'All supplies of black, red and yellow inks were manufactured locally' (p. 154). While a specific multi-step chemical recipe is not provided, it distinguishes ferro-tannic inks by their application: they were specifically 'used on paper' rather than on wooden slates (p. 155).
Original Recipe Text
The text states that 'All supplies of black, red and yellow inks were manufactured locally' (p. 154). While a specific multi-step chemical recipe is not provided, it distinguishes ferro-tannic inks by their application: they were specifically 'used on paper' rather than on wooden slates (p. 155).
Evidence
"ferro-tannic inks were used on paper. ... even dampness does not affect the ferro-tannic inks."
Remarks
In contrast to carbon-based inks used for temporary writing, ferro-tannic inks were the standard for permanent records on paper in the Sokoto Caliphate. The author notes that these inks were highly durable, specifically stating that they were resistant to damage from dampness (p. 155). The quality of the ink was judged by the paper's absorbency; if the paper was too absorbent, the ink would spread and become illegible (p. 148).
Scientific Analysis
Certainty Level
Probable
Instrumentally Verified
Not Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
ColorBlack
RegionNigeria
Approx. Year1850
Source Information
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