For over 3,000 years, papyrus was the dominant writing material in the Middle East and Mediterranean world before the introduction of paper.  Languages as diverse as Egyptian, Greek and Arabic were written on it. The Special Collections Department of the J. Willard Marriott Library is home to 770 fragments of Arabic language papyri, dating from the 8^th through the 10^th centuries CE; it is one of the largest collections of Arabic language papyri in the United States.

Providing insight into the daily life of the period, the contents of the library’s collection are primarily of an economic character, containing tax receipts, land tenancy and other business matters. There are also over 100 fragments containing portions of letters and literary texts. All of these comprise part of a larger collection that includes 1300 early Arabic-language paper and parchment manuscripts and fragments, mostly originating from Egypt.

In the summer of 2024, the library’s Preservation Department conservator Jeff Hunt attended a seminar at the University of Michigan on papyrus conservation taught by conservator Marieka Kaye. Jeff learned the techniques in cleaning, repair and reglazing of papyri, which he is now applying to the papyri collection.

Pressure sensitive tape, commonly used in the past to make repairs, but which can adversely affect all heritage materials, is being replaced by archival materials and water-soluble adhesives that will not damage the fragile material. Jeff is removing the papyri from the old glass, then removing the tape and making minor repairs. All of this will improve the readability, appearance and stability of the fragments.

Finally, each fragment will be reglazed in tougher shatter-proof glass, an important consideration in a region susceptible to earthquakes. Each glazed piece will be placed in a foam pouch and placed in hanging folders in storage cabinets that are bolted to the walls and will not fall-over in the event of an earthquake.

Sarah Shreeves, the Alice Sheets Marriott Dean of Libraries explains, “The scholarly community at the U is extremely fortunate to have this incredible collection of papyri at their fingertips. These pieces of history are being preserved now so that future generations can further their discovery of the ancient lives and cultures contained in the papyri.”

For more information on the Arabic Papyrus, Parchment and Paper Collection, contact Lyuba Basin, Rare Books Librarian.

Read more about Dr. Aziz Atiya, his wife Lola and the contribution of the Middle East Collection.

“The scholarly community at the U is extremely fortunate to have this incredible collection of papyri at their fingertips. These pieces of history are being preserved now so that future generations can further their discovery of the ancient lives and cultures contained in the papyri.”

– Sarah Shreeves, Alice Sheets Marriott Dean of Libraries