Squeeze paper

A squeeze or squeeze paper is a reverse copy of an inscription, made by applying moist filter paper and pushing into the indentations by percussive use of a stiff brush.

The image is reversed from the inscription, and protrudes from the squeeze paper.

The use of a squeeze allows more information to be gleaned than examining the original inscription, for example curves inside the cuts can identify the scribe who originally carved the inscription.

[1] Squeezes can also (and some have been since the 1950s) be made by applying layers of liquid latex.

[1] Modern digitising methods mean that the image can be restored to its original orientation.