Durable, lightweight papyrus was the most significant writing material in the ancient world. Used first around 4000 B.C., Egyptians developed paper from the Papyrus reed, which grew plentifully along the banks of the Nile. The inner pith of the stalk is cut into long strips, pounded and soaked in water. Strips are laid horizontally and vertically on top resulting in the typical crisscross pattern. They are squeezed together until all the moisture is removed and then pressed to form a single sheet. Women in Egypt hand paint the butterflies onto the handmade papyrus cards.
There are three distinct types of butteflies and each card is hand painted so no two are exactly alike.
