Papyrus paper production. Image 1 of 5. Strips of pith from the papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) being pounded with a hammer. This is an early stage in the production of papyrus paper. The pith, which has been removed from the stem of the papyrus plant, is being pounded to make it more pliable. It will then be soaked in water for three days to make it even more malleable. Photographed in Egypt. For a sequence showing production of papyrus paper see T926/107 to T926/111.