Project: Treatment and rehousing of three papyrus and three palm leaf manuscripts
Owner: Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries
Collection: The Pages from the Past Collection and the Specimens of Eastern Manuscripts and Printing collection
Treatment Notes: These papyrus fragments were extremely fragile with many creases and losses. The edges were frayed with broken fibers. The black media were slightly friable but insoluble in alcohol and water.
The pieces were initially unfolded by locally humidifying the creases, working under the microscope. Then, they were blotter-washed in a water-ethanol mix several times. The fibers were realigned and consolidated with 1% methylcellulose, and the weak areas were reinforced with acrylic-toned Tengujo and 1% MC. The treated pieces were humidified and flattened. The items were then rehoused between two sheets of Gorilla Glass, hinged onto a 4-ply window mat.
Title: [Papyrus leaf fragment]
Created: Egypt or Greece, ca. 100 BCE – 100 CE
Dimensions: H 6.4cm x W 13.3cm
Title: [Papyrus leaf fragment]
Created: Middle East, ca. 9th Century
Dimensions: H 8.3cm x W 12.1cm
Rehousing Note: The papyrus fragments were hinged to a 4-ply mat board using strips of Uso Mino Thin and wheat starch paste, then sandwiched between two sheets of Gorilla Glass, sealed with Tyvek tape.
Rehousing Note: At the librarian’s request, both sides of the palm leaves needed to remain visible within the housing, allowing users to observe the object without direct handling. To achieve this, a double sink mat was constructed using Volara foam and mat board with Mylar windows, covered with 10pt. cardstock. The mat is secured with Tyvek tape on one side and two magnets on the other.
