Papyrus, First Paper,
and Signature of Egyptian Art
Dr Abe V Rotor
Cyperus papyrus belongs to the sedge family, Cyperaceae, to which our own tikiw (cattail) and barsaga (Cyperus rotundos), a perennial weed on the farm, belong. It is a native of southern Europe, Syria and Africa. Egyptian manuscripts and paintings were done on paper made from this plant as early as 2400 BC. A cheap imitation is made from banana stalk.
Papyrus grows extensively along the Nile River, its stems are made into paper by the Egyptians. The ancient art of making papyrus paper is a tourist attraction in Egpyt. Historical events and art recorded on papyrus survive to this day. These were made during the time of the Pharoahs as far as three thousand years ago.
Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) at the Sunken Garden, UP Diliman, QCThe plant is a wetland sedge (hydrophyte), and it resembles grass. Actually it is Cyperus (Family Cyperaceae), relative of the persistent weed, Cyperus rotundus, and cattail (Typha) which is woven into mats, carpets and decors. Ancient Egypt used this plant for boats, mattresses, mats, rope, sandals, and baskets.
Papyrus - Signature of Egyptian Art
Museum guide at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo, demonstrates to author and other guests on how fresh papyrus stalk is cut and split, then laid crosswise, one layer on top of another, and pressed with a mechanical presser (background, second photo). The mat is dried and pounded to attain evenness and smoothness. Now it is ready for use as writing and drawing material. Papyrus is the first paper, hence the name).
Author inspects papyrus drawings and paintings depicting the rich history of ancient Egypt, the oldest civilization in the western world. Hieroglyphics (picture story) on papyrus, like Chinese calligraphy (language signs), make an art distinct and unique from all the arts in the world. Papyrus art is a major attraction to scholars and tourists, and contributes significantly to the Egyptian tourism industry.
Photos of the plant were taken at UP Sunken Garden, Diliman QC
