’Areia de escrever’ or ‘arena scriptoria’ in the materiality of writing: the ink drying processes and their implications

Abstract

The research conducted by this interdisciplinary team corroborates the existence of a distinct type of sand used for drying texts in Portugal during the 16th to 19th centuries. Although it shares similarities with materials found in other parts of Europe, these sands exhibit specific characteristics. Referred to as “writing sand”, it was frequently acquired by many convents and religious houses of that period. Its composition varied, primarily comprising minerals (mostly ilmenite), with the potential addition of an organic component. These sands represent a valuable historical source that has been overlooked. In terms of manuscript preservation, removing them may result in damage to the written text and pose significant ethical concerns.