dyed paper

Ingredients

cellulose

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Specific traditions are noted for North and sub-Saharan Africa where manuscripts were written on loose leaves or bifolios that were initially left unsewn (p. 41). Paper was also used for marbled variants ('ebr%%i') to cover boards in partial leather bindings (p. 31, Fig. 7).

Evidence

"The materiality of the manuscripts reflects that use; the paper is not necessarily of the highest quality, the bindings are functional and modestly decorated."

Remarks

The paper used in the UBL collection is generally functional, reflecting the status of the manuscripts as 'users' collection' meant for study (p. 30). Physical alterations such as paper repairs in the gutter (Fig. 1) and the folding of marginal areas to protect text during trimming (Fig. 2-3) are common (p. 27). The paper support is often subject to deterioration from environmental factors, intensive use, or chemical attack from copper pigments (p. 30, 34, 41).