Workshop description: This course is for archivists, librarians, or anyone who is interested in learning and teaching the history of the codex. The class will begin with a short discussion of early codex formats, including binding models of the Nag Hammadi codices. Each participant will make a small, historically accurate Nag Hammadi Codex VIII, which can be used for teaching and display. No previous experience necessary.
Also known as the “Gnostic Gospels,” the codices were discovered in 1945 in Upper Egyptian town of Nag Hammadi. These codices are thought to have been written during the fourth century and are the oldest codices to have survived with their bindings still intact. There were thirteen codices found, but only twelve bindings survived. The codices were leather bound with Coptic text written on papyrus sheets. The writings in these codices include fifty-two mostly Gnostic treatises, but they also include other works, such as the Corpus Hermeticum and a partial translation/alteration of Plato’s Republic. One of the most famous writings is the Gospel of Thomas which is only complete in the Nag Hammadi Codices.
10:00-10:30 – Introduction to early single quire codices
10:30-11:30 – Begin construction of Nag Hammadi Codex
11:30-12:30 – Lunch (on your own)
12:30-2:30 – Complete construction of historical model
2:30- 3:00 – Wrap up and questions
Workshop presenters: This workshop is presented by Catarina Figueirinhas with assistance from Ashleigh Ferguson Schieszer. Catarina is the Senior Conservation Specialist at the University of Cincinnati's Preservation Lab.
Skills learned at this workshop: In this workshop various examples will be shown of single-quire codices, and their history will be explored. Participants will make a historical model of the Nag Hammadi Codex VIII. This class will focus more on the historical details of the codex VIII and the created model will be a historical representation suitable for classroom education.
Workshop venue: Langsam Library, 2911 Woodside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45221
Workshop parking: Parking is $10 a day the Woodside garage. Woodside garage is connected to Langsam Library, located on the corner of MLK Drive W and Woodside Dr. When you turn onto Woodside Dr., it will be the 1st parking garage on your right. Once you park in the garage, take the stairs or elevator to the 400 level. The workshop is located in room 462.
Registration fee: $45 ($40 for Ohio Preservation Council members), payable by credit card in advance of the workshop. Please proceed through the registration system and choose the Pay Online option. This fee includes all supplies for the materials. Instructor will provide all necessary tools, which will be checked out and returned at the end of the workshop.
