Wooden Inkwell

The wooden Inkwell is a rectangular artifact carved from wood, accompanied by a pen. It was discovered in al-Rabatha Historical Area, located approximately two hundred km east of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, near the western edge of Hejaz Mountains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With its left corner eroded, the inkwell is divided into three compartments: one for storing the pen and two at opposite corners of the rectangle. The inkwell dates back to the eighth or ninth century.

The inkwell discovery is part of the archaeological surveys and excavations conducted by the Antiquities and Museums Sector in the Kingdom in the past years, alongside contributions from Saudi archaeologists, scientific missions., and joint research teams. The inkwell is preserved in the Museum of the Department of Antiquities at King Saud University in Riyadh. It was selected among other significant artifacts to be displayed in the Saudi Archeological Masterpieces Through the Ages Exhibition. The wooden inkwell is cataloged under the number R–7–116.

The inkwell is a rare and valuable artifact that highlights the educational and intellectual activities in the urban centers of the Arabian Peninsula. It is 16.4 cm long and 7.8 cm wide. This artifact was used for writing and for storing pens, ink, and a small amount of sand inside it.