Papyrus is as much a part of ancient Egypt as any icon of the past. Simple, yet underwhelming when you realize the magnitude of its importance to history, our species of being even. Being able to record thoughts, ideas, and knowledge onto a medium that is light and durable, is as significant a breakthrough, and as important to us as the invention of the wheel, agriculture, or even the taming of fire.
As part of any guided tour to the Pyramids of Giza, a stop at one of the many Papyrus vendors on the main strip leading up to the plateau, is simply a must. The art that is drawn on the papyrus paper is almost as valuable as the paper itself, and visitors can purchase anything from a classic cartouche with your name in hieroglyphics, to a depiction of the ancient Egyptian zodiac, or even one of my favorites, a more modern work of a Pharaoh’s bust. But what you take along in understanding, will be even more valuable weighed against the sands of time.
Part of the sales pitch in these shops is how papyrus is made, and our friend Ayman will take us through the process. Enjoy. Rigas out from Cairo.
Image courtesy © Freesurf – Fotolia.com