Sulkakynät

Sulkakynät, often translated as quill pens, are writing instruments crafted from hollowed bird feathers. Historically, they were the primary tool for writing before the invention of metal nib pens and fountain pens. The process of preparing a quill pen involved selecting a suitable feather, typically from a goose or swan, and then hardening and shaping its tip into a nib. This shaping was crucial for creating a fine point capable of producing both thick and thin strokes, depending on the pressure applied.

The use of quill pens dates back centuries, with evidence found in ancient texts. They were widely employed throughout the Middle Ages and well into the 19th century for everything from illuminated manuscripts to personal correspondence. The ink used with quill pens was usually made from oak galls, iron salts, and gum arabic, creating a durable black ink. Maintaining a quill pen required regular sharpening of the nib with a penknife to keep it in writing condition. The availability of feathers and the relative ease of preparation made quill pens accessible to a broad range of society, contributing to the spread of literacy. While largely superseded by modern writing tools, quill pens are still used today for calligraphy, historical reenactments, and as a stylistic choice by some writers.