ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY OF A POLYCHROME WOODEN COFFIN FROM 26TH DYNASTY-EGYPT

Authors

  • Abdelmoniem M. Abdelmoniem
  • Naglaa Mahmoud Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
  • Wael S. Mohamed Directorate of Saqqara restoration, Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt
  • Ashraf Youssef Ewais Directorate of Saqqara restoration, Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt
  • Ahmed Abdrabou Wood Conservation Laboratory, Grand Egyptian Museum- Conservation Center (GEM.CC), Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt

Keywords:

Polychrome wooden coffin; Technical imaging; Pigments; SEM-EDX; XRD; FTIR

Abstract

This study focuses on a multi-analytical method to identify the pigments, ground layer, and previous
restoration materials used on a polychrome wooden coffin (Late Period) from Saqqara, Egypt. It utilized
technical imaging, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope attached to X-ray dispersion unit, X-ray
diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the use of hematite and
cinnabar for the red painted layers, Egyptian blue for the blue painted layer, yellow ochre for the yellow
painted layer, Atacamite and Paratacamite for the green painted layer and carbon for black painted layer.
The ground layer was calcium carbonate. The original binding medium was animal glue, while the previous
consolidation materials were poly vinyl acetate (PVAC) and beeswax.

Author Biography

Abdelmoniem M. Abdelmoniem

Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt

Downloads

Published

2023-07-28

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Articles