What is Reed pen?
[[File:Qalam2.jpg|thumb|The head of a reed pen, from different angles]] [[File:Learning Arabic calligraphy.jpg|thumb|Red pens can be used for Arabic [[calligraphy]]. ]] A '''reed pen''' (Greek: κάλαμοι kalamoi; singular κάλαμος kalamos) is a writing implement made by cutting and shaping a single reed straw or length of [[bamboo]]. In [[Arabic language|Arabic]], it is called '''Qalam'''. Reed pens were used throughout [[antiquity]]. The reed is cut at an angle, the tip is sharpened. [[Ink]] is used to write (in antiquity onto [[papyrus]] or [[parchment]]). It is possible to write in thicker or thinner lines by varying the angle, at which the reed pen is held. A reed pen made of [[bronze]] was found in a [[grave]] in [[Attica]], [[Greece]], and dated to the 5th centry BC. [[Feather|Feathers]] have not been used as a writing tool before the 6th century AD. {{Stub}} [[Category:Writing tools]]