Recto
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Verso
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Letter written in Copticon papyrusEgypt, Coptic Period
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Papyrus Dimensions: Frag. a: 13.5 cm wide x 16.5 cm high Frag. b: 1.5 cm wide x 5.0 cm high Description: Two partially joining fragments from a papyrus document. Incomplete documentary text (probably a letter). The alignment of Fragments a and b can be approximated based of their fiber patterns. Papyrus shows exposure to the elements and damage (strips missing on verso and some strips are now fibrous and misaligned). Recto Eighteen lines of text written in black ink. Written in Coptic. Upper portion of document is written in a carefully written uncial style script. Lower portion of the document written in a cursive hand. Possibly indicating different writers (?). The writing is along the fibers. Margins partially present in places. Verso Single line of text written in black ink. Written in a Coptic uncial script. Writing is along the fibers. Left margin present. The ink is partially washed off and faint. Middle section shows damage (papyrus strips damaged/missing). Small section of a stamp hinge holding the two fragments together is visible. Note: This papyrus was probably originally rolled. It may also have been folded in thirds. Typically, it would have been tied with cord and probably had a clay seal. The verso edge nearest the single line of text would have been on the outside of the roll. The document was written by someone from a monastic or religious community. The fragments are mounted in glass.