A squeeze or squeeze paper is a reverse copy of an
inscription
Epigraphy () is the study of inscriptions, or epigraphs, as writing; it is the science of identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the w ...
, made by applying moist
filter paper Filter paper is a semi-permeable paper barrier placed perpendicular to a liquid or air flow. It is used to separate fine solid particles from liquids or gases.
The raw materials are different Pulp (paper), paper pulps. The pulp may be made from soft ...
and pushing into the indentations by percussive use of a stiff brush. The paper is allowed to dry and then removed. The image is reversed from the inscription, and protrudes from the squeeze paper.
The use of a squeeze allows more information to be gleaned than examining the original inscription, for example curves inside the cuts can identify the scribe who originally carved the inscription.
[Taking Inscriptions Home University of Reading, Ure Museum]
Squeezes can also (and some have been since the 1950s) be made by applying layers of
liquid latex
Liquid latex is a compound often used for special effects makeup, body painting, mask making, and casting applications.
Composition
Liquid latex is usually made of 33% latex, 66% water, and less than 1% ammonia (to increase its shelf life and ...
. This method works best on horizontal surfaces.
Modern digitising methods mean that the image can be restored to the original orientation.
Large collections of squeezes are held by the ''
Inscriptiones Graecae
The ''Inscriptiones Graecae'' (IG), Latin for ''Greek inscriptions'', is an academic project originally begun by the Prussian Academy of Science, and today continued by its successor organisation, the . Its aim is to collect and publish all known ...
'' and other epigraphic collections.
See also
*
Rubbing
A rubbing ('' frottage'') is a reproduction of the texture of a surface created by placing a piece of paper or similar material over the subject and then rubbing the paper with something to deposit marks, most commonly charcoal or pencil but ...
**
Brass rubbing
Brass rubbing was originally a largely British enthusiasm for reproducing onto paper monumental brasses – commemorative brass plaques found in churches, usually originally on the floor, from between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. The ...
References
External links
Squeeze makingat the Smithsonian Institution
Archived here
Squeeze Making in the Athenian Agora
Epigraphy
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