| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration Studies

Authors:
Salem, R. ¹ ; Owais, A. ² ; Salama, R. <sup>2

1</sup> Conservation dept., Faculty of Fine Arts, Minia Univ., Minia, Egypt
² Conservation site, Saqqara, Ministry of antiquities, Egypt

Abstract:
This paper describes the treatment and conservation of the polychrome wooden coffin for the unknown mummy of the late period that was in Saqqara stepped pyramids` stores. It suffered from aspects of damage represented in damaging into large fragments, infecting by microorganism, accumulation of dusts and cracks that are varied in shapes and sizes in the different layers of painting. The components of the polychrome wooden coffin were studied through investigation and using various analysis methods such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), light Optical microscope (LOM) and Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive analysis of elements (SEM-EDX). The results indicated that the type of the coffin wood is Cypress (Cupressussempervirens), and there are five types of fungi that had been grown on it. They are Aspergillusniger, Aspergilusflavus, Alternaria alternate, Emericella nidulans and Penicillium steckii. The ground layers consisted of two layers; coarse layer (clay plaster) and finer coat (lime plaster).The black, pink, and yellow pigments consisted of Pyrolusite, Hematite mixed with Gypsum and Goethite consecutively. The medium color was animal glue. Therefore, the current study included making conservation and maintenance of the coffin, mechanical and chemical cleaning, fixation of the paint layer flakes, facing (surface protection), sterilization, reinforcement...etc.

Keywords:
Saqqara; Polychrome; Coffin; Pigments; Animal glue

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