Characterization of pharaonic cartonnage from a late period, Saqqara excavations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the pigments, mediums and ground layer used during the late era of ancient Egyptian civilization through the analysis of mummy Cartonnage based on the use of multiple analysis, such as electron microscopy, X-rays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed some fragments from a painted cartonnage of a mummy date back to the late period. Light microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, FTIR analysis and investigation of the surface morphology by SEM were used to identify the chemical and anatomical structure of cartonnage.

Findings

The results clearly showed use of copper and extracted gold from the veins of the quartz to get the golden pigment, but it is full of voids which were a major cause of the degradation.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind on the components of this cartonnage in Saqqara stores.

Citation

Afifi, H.A.M., Galal, H.S. and Ali Hassan, R.R. (2020), "Characterization of pharaonic cartonnage from a late period, Saqqara excavations", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 49 No. 4, pp. 255-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-07-2019-0061