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 wr ...

, 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 typically different pulp (paper), paper pulps. The pulp may be ...

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 Cosmetics, 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 she ...

. This method works best on horizontal surfaces. Modern digitising methods mean that the image can be restored to its 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 Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences a ...

'' and other epigraphic collections.

References

External links

Squeeze making
at the Smithsonian Institution
Archived here

Squeeze Making in the Athenian Agora
Epigraphy {{Archaeology-stub

See also

References

External links