The Wallace Tablet is a valuable tool used in archaeology for preserving and studying ancient cuneiform tablets.
Preserving and Studying Ancient Tablets
The Wallace Tablet is a thin, flexible sheet of material that is placed on top of a fragile cuneiform tablet. This sheet acts as a barrier between the tablet and any potential damage from handling, cleaning, or transportation.
Here's how the Wallace Tablet helps in preserving and studying ancient tablets:
- Protection from damage: The thin, flexible material prevents the tablet from being scratched, crushed, or broken.
- Stability and support: The Wallace Tablet provides a flat and stable surface for the tablet, which helps to prevent warping or distortion.
- Easy handling: The tablet can be easily lifted and moved with the Wallace Tablet attached, reducing the risk of damage during handling.
- Accessibility for study: The Wallace Tablet allows researchers to study the tablet without having to handle the fragile object directly.
Materials and Construction
Wallace Tablets are typically made from polyester film, which is a strong, durable, and flexible material. They are often coated with a non-stick material to prevent the tablet from adhering to the sheet.
The construction of a Wallace Tablet involves carefully measuring and cutting the material to fit the exact dimensions of the cuneiform tablet.
Use in Archaeology
Archaeologists use Wallace Tablets extensively in their work to protect and study ancient cuneiform tablets. They are essential tools for:
- Excavations: Protecting tablets found during digs.
- Museum displays: Exhibiting tablets in a safe and stable manner.
- Research and analysis: Providing a platform for studying and photographing tablets.
Example
Imagine an archaeologist uncovering a fragile clay tablet in an ancient Mesopotamian city. To protect this valuable artifact, the archaeologist would carefully place a Wallace Tablet over the tablet, ensuring its safety during transport and study.
