Digitization and Indexing of Coptic Papyri (K-Tafeln) from the Collection of Papyri and Ostraca at the Leipzig University Library

• Applicant: Dr. Anne Lipp, since 12/2022
• Subject Area: Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Term: from 2020 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441211980

The project aims to provide the Coptology with previously unknown primary sources and thus to initiate further Coptological research and to stimulate the publication of Papyri from the Leipzig Collection. In the so-called K-panels, about 750 Coptic fragments of papyrus are currently stored in 50 glass panels temporarily glazed. Through the project, the previously known stock of papyrus and ostraca collection will be increased by a significant number in the double-digit range.During the process of indexing, the papyrus fragments are to be distinguished according to the frequently handed down Sahidian dialect and the much more rarely used Fajjuman dialect. Content-related fragments are summarized and the texts are roughly classified in terms of content. If possible, related fragments are "joined". Papyrology and, more specifically, Coptology is thus provided with new source material for its research both in terms of language and content.The project concludes the indexing and digitization of the papyri from the papyrus and ostraca collection of the Leipzig University Library. So far, the Coptic inscribed papyri were not fully cataloged and digitized. After successful project end, metadata and images will be fully available in the Papyrusportal database.The temporary glass panels are opened in the restoration workshop of the University Library Leipzig with conservatory caution. Related fragments can then be joined together by the scientific expertise of the project Coptologist. In the course of the project, the number of fragments that can be assigned to another fragment based on material type, temporal classification and textual or content-related classification will increase. All fragments receive, either individually or conjointly, a new glazing made of inert borosilicate glass. This glass quality prevents sodium chloride deposits from forming on the inside of the glass, as has often happened in the past. In glazing, the K-boards are assigned an inventory number for the first time, as is the usual procedure in papyrology. The total number of cataloged papyri and Ostraka of the Leipzig collection, which amounted to approx. 5,000 so far, will increase after indexing of the project to approximately 5,300. The glass plates provided with inventory numbers are digitized in the digitization workshop of the university library. The computing department of the University of Leipzig integrates the digital copies into the papyrus portal. There is also the long-term preservation of images.

• DFG Programme: Cataloguing and Digitisation (Scientific Library Services and Information Systems)
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Ulrich Johannes Schneider, until 12/2022