What would it be like to have to make each piece of paper before you write a letter or begin a novel or create a work of art? This is exactly the task the ancient Egyptians had to perfect before each project was initiated. Sheets of papyrus required specific tools and skills to complete this laborious task. We spent a most enjoyable afternoon in a shop in Aswan learning the same techniques which were employed 5000 years ago.
Here, the green narrow oblong shape on the right is the natural papyrus plant reed. This ten foot tall plant grows in the marshes along the Nile. First, the green outer layer is peeled from the tri-shaped papyrus reed. The pulp of the stalk is then sliced into very thin strips, soaked in water to remove the sugar content, and pounded with a mallet such as the one shown here. While still quite wet, the strips are woven into the desired size needed for your project.
Photo: Courtesy Phil Kolman, fellow Grand Circle tourist.