Which Reed Was Used For Hieroglyphics?

The ancient Egyptian civilization is credited with having the oldest samples of writing known to mankind. Earlier civilization would never go beyond the pictorial representation of events. The writing associated with the 3000 year old ancient Egyptian civilization is known as 'hieroglyphic.' The word owes its origin to two Greek words 'hieros' (sacred) and glypho (inscription). This form of writing was in existence from the end of Prehistory till 396AD.

The two major types of Egyptian hieroglyphic writing used commonly were the monumental (epigraphic) hieroglyphics, which were painted or carved intricately on wood and the cursive (hieratic) form, which was written quickly on papyrus or pottery with the help of a blunt reed pen dipped in red or black ink. The material of the reed was usually cane.