One aspect of the EthiCodex project involves a closer look at the materials that make up ancient codices: papyrus, parchment, leather, threads, glues, and inks. A few weeks ago, the Papyrus Collection at the University of Oslo welcomed Ira Rabin and Grzegorz Nehring of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM). We had a nice look at some of what their team is doing in terms of developing a more systematic approach to the chemical analysis of ancient inks.
It was an illuminating couple of days, both figuratively and literally. Many thanks to Ira and Greg, and also to our hosts at the Papyrology Collection, Anastasia Maravela and Federico Aurora.
The Early History of the Codex 