Analytical study of Cartonnage mummy case from EL-LAHUN excavations -Third intermediate period (945-664 B.C) – Fayoum - Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

2 Administration of Mummies and Human Remains Conservation, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

Abstract

In this study, scientific methods were used to examine a colored Cartonnage mummy case, discovered at the archaeological site of El-Lahun at Middle Egypt. Fragmented Cartonnage samples and linen wrapping samples were non-destructively examined by using the digital microscope, and high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope, which was outfitted with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX), as well as analysis by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The results implied linen fibres as the base support, while thin calcareous layer mixed with animal adhesive worked as preparatory layer. Most of the pigments were consistent with the typical ancient Egyptian palette, the white pigment was identified as a Hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO4.2H2O) (gypsum) as a source of white color), while the other pigments on the Cartonnage palette contained, red ochre (iron oxide (FeO) and molybdenum oxide as impurities, and Carbon sulfide (CS2)) as a source of black pigment, otherwise the source of the green pigment was Egyptian blue (synthetic blue Cuprorivaite), Due to the scarcity of the mineral azurite, the ancient Egyptians occasionally resorted to industrially preparing this pigment, which was called Egyptian blue. Moreover the results certified that animal adhesive was, the bonding material of pigments. Extreme physical damage and biological attacks were documented on the Cartonnage. Fungal species of Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Sulphureous, and Penicillium were verified.

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