Cartonnage is the term used in Egyptology and Papyrology for plastered layers of
linen or papyrus, flexible enough for moulding while wet against the irregular ...
Cartonnage Cartonnage is the term used in Egyptology and Papyrology for plastered layers of linen or papyrus, flexible enough for moulding while wet against the irregular surfaces of the body. The resulting shell was usually coated on one side with gesso (a mixture of glue and whiting plaster). The method was used in funerary workshops to produce cases, masks or panels to cover all or part of the mummified and wrapped body. The plastered surface gave an even ground for painting motifs with greater stability than was possible with a linen shroud. This smooth medium was well suited to detailed painting and gold leafing.
Although earlier examples are known, it is around Dynasty 18 that cartonnage became a material of choice, and it remained a popular medium though the roman period. In later times, the linen layers were sometimes replaced with recycled papyrus documents.
Sometimes cartonnage is compared with papier mache, but there is no pulping of the substrate, whether papyrus or linen: instead, smaller or larger sections of linen are cut to shape, and layered, and the plaster applied over the top. The method of preparation preserves the sections, and for this reason papyrus cartonnage is a prominent source of well-preserved manuscript sections. Many of the papyri currently studied by Egyptologists were recovered from cartonnage.
Make a cartonnage collar or breastplate
1. Look at the pictures of cartonnage decorations. Look at the shapes used and the geometric patterns. 2. Decide on what design you’d like to make. 3. Draw the shape for your collar or breastplate. Make it big enough to fit on your chest. To help make it symmetrical draw half the shape on paper, cut it out then use it as a template to draw the 2 halves together onto card. 4. Cut out your card shape. Draw out your design onto the card add any important details. 5. Now you’re ready to paint. You can add gold or silver decorations too. Cut out pieces of foil and glue them in place. Use felt-tip pens to draw on any details, or to colour and intricate designs. 6. If you want to add any hieroglyphic writing, use the hieroglyphic alphabet write your name or message. 7. When your collar or breastplate is finished and dry you can punch a hole in each side and attach a string so you can wear it.
