Cartonnage and papyri
ForumAncient and Medieval Manuscripts
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1papyri
Cartonnage is a type of cardboard-like material. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in a manner similar to how we would use papier-mâché today. It was constructed from layers of linen or papyrus which had been moistened and stuck together using a kind of paste. This was then coated with a layer of stucco (lime plaster or gesso). It would then be molded into various shapes and left to dry. When it had dried it could then be painted or gilded.
During late Pharonic times, cartonnage was used to make the inner coffins for mummies. Reusing waste-papyrus, instead of linen, to manufacture cartonnage became a common practice during the Ptolemaic Period. This practice lead to the preservation of a wide range of ancient documents.
Initially to extract the papyri, the painted outer layer of the catonnage would be destroyed in the process. Today, however, new techniques allow for the paintings to be preserved.
The University of of Helsinki in Finland has a
MUMMY CARTONNAGE CONSERVATION VIDEO showing how the papyri are extracted while preserving the painted cartonnage decorations.
http://www.helsinki.fi/hum/kla/papupetra/papyrus/cartonnage.html
Digital Egypt for Universities from the University College London has some information and images of mummy cartonnages.
http://www.digitalegypt.ucl.ac.uk/burialcustoms/cartonnage.html
http://www.digitalegypt.ucl.ac.uk/burialcustoms/mummymask.html
2papyri
The archaeological complex of Deir el-Banat is located in the Fayoum region of Egypt. The site was occupied from the 1st to 10th centuries C.E. and its cemetary includes both Coptic and Greco-Roman burials. Part of the site includes the ruins of a Medieval convent. The site is currently being excavated by the Centre for Egyptological Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
General information
Archaeological and Anthropological Rurvey Reports
First Field Season, 2003
The Second season, 2003 includes an image of a cartonnage section made of re-used papyrus showing writing.
The Third season, 2005
The Fourth season, 2006 includes images of some of the burials and a fine Greco-Roman cartonnage mummy mask which was recovered.
General information
Archaeological and Anthropological Rurvey Reports
First Field Season, 2003
The Second season, 2003 includes an image of a cartonnage section made of re-used papyrus showing writing.
The Third season, 2005
The Fourth season, 2006 includes images of some of the burials and a fine Greco-Roman cartonnage mummy mask which was recovered.
3papyri
Interesting article from BBC News - Science & Environment
Scan technique reveals secret writing in mummy cases
- new technology allows for non-destructive recovery of manuscripts from mummy cartonnage.
Scan technique reveals secret writing in mummy cases
- new technology allows for non-destructive recovery of manuscripts from mummy cartonnage.