Scribal Tools

Us4-he2-gal2: The Sumerians had first used a pointed reed stylus or a pointed stick to inscribe the wet clay - this was in the earlist period of writing when pictographs were artistically rendered, and were meant to represent the object directly. As writing developed and abstract signs representing objects became a favored and more efficient means of writing, the blunt side of the reed was used instead the natural point: the blunt side creates that familiar wedge shape we see in cuneiform. Because reed stylus' were made of persishable material we generally do not have much to indicate their exact nature, although some stylus' made from bone survive. Sheshki has had to improvise using some materials on hand, and has found a modern stylus that with the right touch, makes an old look.

A normal chopstick, the one end was squared, so it was made triangular with a sharp firestone.

All the writing tools, 2 chopsticks ( the thicker one is better, smaller signs are possible) and a triangular file.

1 and 2 are used for writing, 3 for the winkelhaken sign.

This rolling pin is used to attain a flat or semi-flat surface in the clay.