1. Harvesting Papyrus Reeds:
- They began by harvesting papyrus reeds from the banks of the Nile River, which were abundant in the region.
2. Preparing the Stems:
- The outer green layer of the papyrus stems was carefully peeled off, revealing the core.
- This core was then cut into thin strips.
3. Flattening the Strips:
- Each papyrus strip was moistened with water and flattened using a mallet or a smooth stone.
- By flattening, the fibers of the stem became interwoven, forming a solid sheet.
4. Layering and Pressing:
- Multiple sheets of flattened papyrus were layered one upon the other, perpendicular to each other.
- This layering technique added strength and stability to the paper.
- The layers were then pressed to expel any excess water and ensure a uniform surface.
5. Drying in the Sun:
- The layered papyrus was carefully hung or laid out in the hot Egyptian sun to dry.
- The sun's heat and dry air facilitated the drying process, turning the papyrus into a parchment-like material.
6. Smoothing and Finishing:
- After the papyrus was dry, it underwent a smoothing process using a bone or smooth stone to further enhance the writing surface.
- This step removed any irregularities and made the papyrus suitable for writing.
The end result was a versatile writing material that could be used to create scrolls, books, and various documents. The ancient Egyptians used ink made from plant pigments or charcoal mixed with water to write on their papyrus paper.
The production of papyrus paper was a skilled craft, and the Egyptians were highly proficient in its manufacturing. Papyrus became a valuable commodity and was used not only within Egypt but also exported to various parts of the ancient world.