Late Romanesque writing stylus made of bone, after a find from Ukraine, 11th-13th century, approx. 10 cm

Late Romanesque writing stylus made of bone, after a find from Ukraine, 11th-13th century, approx. 10 cm As in antiquity, wax tablets were used as writing materials throughout the Middle Ages. This required styli, or writing styli. The pointed end was used to scratch the writing, and the flat side to smooth the wax over. Although the replica is based on a find from Ukraine, it displays a formal language typical of the Romanesque period, which can also be found in Central and Western Europe. Each item is individually carved by hand. Because of this, and because each piece of bone is unique, slight variations may occur.