Search

Background and aims: The excellent physical and chemical properties of Abacá and Japan papers make them one of the most used materials in restoration of cultural assets on paper. The objective of this work is to characterize the fibers that compose them and identify plant genera or species that were used in their manufacture. M&M: Fibers from samples of each paper and previously collected reference plant material were disintegrated. The diagnostic characters of the fibers were observed with a photomicroscope and photomicrographs were taken. Subsequently, the homologous characters were compared by relating the Abacá paper fiber samples with those of Musa sp. and the Japan paper samples with Broussonetia sp. and Euonymus sp. Results: There were coincidences between the diagnostic characters of the paper fibers of Abacá and Musa sp. Regarding the Japan paper samples, there were results consistent with Broussonetia sp. but not with Euonymus sp. Conclusions: According to the results observed between the Abacá paper fibers and the samples of the collected living material, we infer that the Abacá paper contains fibers of Musa sp. In the Japan paper samples, the similarities observed between the diagnostic characters of the fibers with respect to the reference plant samples indicate the presence of Broussonetia sp. fibers. There is no evidence of fibers of Euonymus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper was fundamental in the American wars of independence, it had transcendental military and communication functions for both the patriot and royalist armies. In the parish archive of Paipa Boyacá, there are a series of handwritten citations that allude to the passage of the war of 1819 through this town. From five of these citations I develop an interpretation and reconstruction of their historical context, using paper as a vehicle for a multi-sense story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research and development of new products that could partially or completely replace raw materials used for energy production, high value-added chemical products, and even the production of paper, has allowed industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to become the main raw material for the reactivation of a bio-based economy with high production conditions and capacities. Based on this, the objective of this research is to deepen on the potential use of hemp fiber in the paper industry, supported by studies carried out by the Colombian State regarding the availability of forest crops for commercial purposes, which are basically used for planting and the production of wood resources such as pine and eucalyptus. It has been considered important to demonstrate that hemp, as a source of primary production, provides competitive economic, environmental, and social advantages over traditional crops, even for new sources of bio-based research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, Juan Gustavo Cobo Borda reflects on the work of the Uruguayan artist based in Colombia, Carol Young. Cobo finds within her pottery art reflections about the nature of paper and in her instruments, an archeological finding of mythical origin. In her installations, Young displays pottery objects in a sort of exhibition regarding the classification and record of memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]