Single wax tablet

Product description

The cera (Latin for tabula cerata – wax tablet) was a small writing board made from a hard material such as boxwood, beech, or even bone. In the center of the board was a recessed area filled with a layer of dark wax.

Writing on this wax layer was done using a stylus—a pointed tool made of metal, wood, or bone (Greek: stŷlos, Latin: stilus). With this tool, marks were scratched into the wax. If needed, these marks could be easily erased or smoothed out, making the tablet reusable. These wax tablets were used for everyday notes, reminders of tasks, debts, obligations, and as drafts of texts that were later copied onto papyrus or parchment. Using a wax tablet was, after all, more economical.

Sealed wax tablets were also used for official purposes, such as drafting wills, delivering secret orders, statements, receipts, and even reports. The oldest known archaeological example of a wax tablet dates to the 7th century BCE, found in Etruria (Italy). In Europe, the use of wax tablets remained widespread until the mid-19th century.

Writing

Use the pointed end of the stylus to carve letters into the wax with light downward pressure.

Erasing

The flat side of the stylus is used to smooth the wax again. Keep the stylus flat, place your index finger on the flattened side, and move it in a pulling (not pushing) motion over the wax. This allows the tablet to be reused repeatedly.

This wax tablet features a single writing surface. The wax is made of beeswax and is black. It measures 14 × 9 cm and comes with a cotton pouch.