An Analytical Study for Understanding the Degradation Process of a Late Period Mummy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, 17611, Cairo, Egypt

2 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

3 Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

4 Spectroscopy Department, Physics Division, National Research Center, 12622 Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Ancient mummies suffer from degradation as a result of the improper conditions which are changing both the chemical and physical properties of the materials. This study aims to ex-plain the chemical changes of an Egyptian mummy dating back to the late period. Multiple analytical techniques have been executed to characterize the different components of the mummy: optical microscopy, stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dis-persive X-ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrosco-py, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results revealed that the Natron salt exist-ed over the linen wraps and also the hydroxyapatite and collagen as chemical components of the bone with the presence of the mastic resin and beeswax as embalming materials. The in-correct packing method had a negative effect through which the surrounding humidity around the mummy’s body accelerated the reaction between the water vapor and the mummy's components. The water molecules of humidity interacted with the Natron salt to form a basic medium, and the humid conditions promoted the microbial and insect activity. The analytical investigation showed the fabric embrittlement in the wrapping and the diagenetic alterations in the bone.

Highlights

  • Conducting multi-techniques to assess the preservation state of the mummy.
  • Demonstrating the humidity role in the degradation of the materials.
  • Manifesting the effect of packing on the mummy.
  • Understanding the degradation process of a late period mummy

Keywords

Advanced Research in Conservation Science
Volume 1, Issue 2
December 2020
Pages 13-30

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics