Vellum

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/vellum

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary animal source?Calfskin, though other animal skins can be used for parchment
2. What is vellum and how is it made from animal skin?Vellum is a special paper made from cleaned and stretched animal hide, usually calfskin. The hide is soaked, dehaired, stretched on a wooden frame, and scraped smooth so ink can be written on it.
3. Why was vellum used for important books in the past?Vellum was very strong and smooth, so it could keep books safe for many years. It was chosen for holy books, laws, and royal records.

Membrane: A thin layer of tissue, referring to the prepared animal skin used for writing.
Lunarium/Lunellum: A crescent-shaped knife used for scraping animal skins during vellum preparation.
Archival Stability: The ability of a material to resist degradation and remain intact over long periods.