Terracottas making for cuneiform scripts

Terracotta tablets with cuneiform inscriptions were a common medium for recording information in ancient Mesopotamia. These tablets were made from clay and then inscribed with cuneiform characters before being baked or fired to harden them. Here's a closer look at the process of creating terracotta tablets with cuneiform scripts:

1. Clay Preparation:

• The process began with selecting clay suitable for tablet-making. The clay needed to be pliable and free from impurities.
• The clay was then kneaded and shaped into rectangular or square tablet forms.

2. Forming the Tablet:

• The tablet's dimensions varied based on the intended content and purpose.
• Scribes would create a flat surface on the clay tablet using a stylus or a flat tool.

3. Inscribing Cuneiform:

• Skilled scribes used a stylus with a wedge-shaped end to impress the cuneiform characters into the clay.
• The stylus was pressed into the clay to create the characteristic wedge-shaped marks that represented various signs and symbols.

4. Writing Tools:

• Scribes used different types of styluses for different cuneiform impressions, allowing for variations in thickness and detail.
• The choice of stylus depended on the size of the tablet and the complexity of the script.

5. Composition and Layout:

• Scribes had to carefully plan the layout of the script to ensure it fit within the confines of the tablet.
• Longer texts might be divided into multiple columns, and line breaks were marked by a diagonal line.

6. Drying and Firing:

• After inscribing the cuneiform script, the tablet was allowed to dry to remove excess moisture from the clay.
• Once dry, the tablet was baked or fired in a kiln or open fire to harden it and make it more durable.

7. Seal Impressions:

• Many tablets were sealed with impressions from cylinder seals before or after firing.
• Cylinder seals were rolled across the surface of the clay to leave behind a unique pattern, indicating ownership or authentication.

8. Storage and Use:

• Terracotta tablets with cuneiform inscriptions were used for various purposes, including administrative records, legal documents, religious texts, and more.
• Tablets were often stored in clay envelopes or containers for protection.

9. Archaeological Discoveries:

• The firing process helped preserve these clay tablets for millennia, leading to their discovery in archaeological excavations.
• Many ancient cuneiform tablets have been recovered from archaeological sites and provide valuable insights into ancient Mesopotamian culture and society.

Terracotta tablets with cuneiform inscriptions are invaluable artifacts that offer a direct window into the writing and documentation practices of ancient Mesopotamia. They serve as a tangible link to the past and a testament to the sophisticated culture and administrative systems of the civilization.