Is paper an indigenous material

Paper is not considered an indigenous material in the traditional sense, as it was invented by the Chinese in the 2nd century CE, primarily from plant fibers. However, various indigenous cultures around the world have developed their own forms of paper-like materials using local resources, such as bark, leaves, and fibers. These adaptations reflect the cultural and environmental contexts of those communities. Thus, while paper itself is not indigenous, the concept of creating paper-like materials is present in many indigenous practices.