beeswax-based mixture
Iraq
Source: Weirauch, K., & Cammarosano, M. (2021). WoW! Writing on Wax in Ancient Mesopotamia and Today. In L. Raggetti (Ed.), Traces of Ink (pp. 6-32). Leiden: Brill.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
beeswax, sesame oil, date syrup, ghee
Preparation Steps
The writing surface consists of a beeswax-based mixture applied to ivory or wooden leaves with recessed frames (p. 20). Replications tested the use of release agents to facilitate writing with a metal stylus. One effective agent identified was a mixture of sesame oil, date syrup, and ghee (p. 8, Fig 1.5).
Original Recipe Text
The writing surface consists of a beeswax-based mixture applied to ivory or wooden leaves with recessed frames (p. 20). Replications tested the use of release agents to facilitate writing with a metal stylus. One effective agent identified was a mixture of sesame oil, date syrup, and ghee (p. 8, Fig 1.5).
Evidence
"They consist of one or more ‘leaves’ provided with a recessed frame that holds a beeswax-based mixture on which marks can be scratched or impressed."
Remarks
Wax boards are identified as proto-codices and represent a precursor to modern tablets. The study discusses the earliest history of these boards in the cuneiform cultures of the Ancient Near East (p. 20).
Scientific Analysis
Analytical Techniques
replication
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Not Verified
Metadata
Material Type
ink
Bindersesame oil, date syrup and ghee
RegionIraq
Approx. Year-850
Source Information
AuthorWeirauch, K., & Cammarosano, M.
CollectionNimrud
Language
N/A
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