1. A Writing Surface:
* Clay: This was the most common material. The clay was wet and pliable, allowing for imprints to be made. It was then left to dry in the sun, hardening the clay and preserving the writing.
* Stone: For more permanent inscriptions, stone was used. It required more effort to carve, but was also less prone to damage.
* Wax tablets: Similar to today's wax-coated paper, wax tablets could be used for writing. The marks would be made with a stylus and could be erased and rewritten.
2. A Writing Tool:
* Stylus: This was a small, pointed tool, usually made of wood or bone. It had a triangular or wedge-shaped tip to create the cuneiform marks by pressing into the clay or wax.
3. Knowledge of the System:
* Cuneiform script: Knowing the system was essential. This included understanding the individual signs (which could represent syllables, words, or even ideas), their order, and how to arrange them in lines and columns.
* Vocabulary: The writer needed to know the words they wanted to write. This required a certain level of education and familiarity with the language.
4. Other Supplies:
* Rulers: Used to ensure the lines of writing were straight.
* Erasers: Made from a variety of materials, they were used to correct mistakes on clay or wax tablets.
It's important to note that:
* Writing was initially a skill primarily for scribes and priests, who were educated and trained in the art of cuneiform.
* As literacy spread, more people would have had access to these resources and the skills to use them.
Cuneiform required a significant investment in resources, both in materials and education. However, the development of this writing system was a pivotal moment in human history, allowing for the recording of information and the transmission of knowledge for generations to come.