Abstract: The Aspelta faience Ushabti statuette is one of a group of statuettes kept in Atfih magazine, located 80 kilometers south of Cairo, Egypt. This store contains different types of artifacts excavated from different periods and sites in Egypt. This study aims at characterizing the materials and manufacturing techniques used to produce this statuette and its deterioration aspects. The analytical techniques used were AutoCAD, USB light digital microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The results revealed that the efflorescence method was used in the manufacturing of the glaze layer colored with Egyptian blue. Many degradation aspects such as discoloration, increase of porosity, cracks, surficial flaking, and salt crystallization have been observed. Moreover, the X-ray diffraction analysis proved the presence of the basic copper chloride compounds "Atacamite and Paratacamite", which led to the color change of the glaze layer, which may be due to the poor storage and improper preservation. It can be added that these results will help the conservators to produce some solutions for the conservation of these artifacts in the near future. PubDate: Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: This paper aims to document the current state of an anthropoid wooden coffin using different methods and to provide necessary information for suitable future conservation works. Text transliteration, photographic documentation, technical photography, 2D illustrations, and 3D modules were utilized to document the coffin. The results showed the presence of an insect infestation in the head of the coffin. Text transliteration showed that the studied coffin dates back to the late period in ancient Egypt. 2D illustrations showed the places of the previous conservation and missing parts of the coffin. Moreover, 3D modules showed that the lid of the coffin had an inward curvature. Technical photography highlighted the places of the previous conservation and the area of the Egyptian blue color. PubDate: Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: The preservation of cultural heritage is of primary importance for human assets. The emphasis on painting stability has become an active area of research. The prolonged light exposure is a key factor governing the painting damage. This review addresses considerable insights into the chemical processes for the photodegradation mechanism. The paint formulation is the major enabler of chemical interactions with the photons in which the organic and inorganic materials react to generate free radicals. The formed radicals can proceed in chain reactions and cause an unacceptable change in the appearance or integrity of the painting. A thorough understanding of the degradation mechanism is dedicated to developing preservation strategies. Preventive measures are necessary to extend the longevity of the painting property. Restorers should be aware of the procedures of materials used in the painting practice, such as the compatibility of chemical composition, physical properties, and mixing ratios of the materials. The development of new materials could provide innovative strategies in the field of heritage conservation. PubDate: Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: The studied historical printed plates, are dated back to the 19th century, and they are from an illustrating atlas of Belzoni's explorations and operations in Egypt. The Belzoni's Atlas is one of the outstanding pictorial records of Egyptology at this period. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of deterioration of rare historical printed plates, using different analytical techniques; pH values, color change measurements, isolation and identification of microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), investigation of the surface morphology by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and determination of paper crystallinity by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). In addition, Attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to detect the changes in cellulose molecules of the paper samples. Based on the results of the analytical techniques mentioned above, the historical printed plates are suffering from deterioration. The pH value of the historical plates ranged between 5.08 and 5.98. Microorganism testing proved the presence of Aspergillus sp < /em>., Penicillium sp., Streptococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. The crystallinity index of cellulose in the historical plates decreased; indicating the degradation of cellulose. The ATR-FTIR spectrum proved that the historical plates had undergone destructive hydrolysis and oxidation processes of cellulose. The SEM investigation showed the effect of the natural ageing and surrounding environmental conditions on the surface morphology of the fibers. This mainly may be due to the preservation of the historical plates in poor storage conditions, which played an important role in the deterioration process. PubDate: Wed, 30 Nov 2022 22:00:00 +010
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