This study focuses on the magnificent decoration of a painted and gilded wooden panel with signs ... more This study focuses on the magnificent decoration of a painted and gilded wooden panel with signs of fungal biodeterioration caused by Aspergillus species in the Mausoleum of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay, Cairo, Egypt. Numerous spectroscopic analyses and investigation techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscope Equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) have been used to study the materials that comprise this painted and gilded wooden panel composition. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and A. terreus were recognized as isolated fungi, and their accession numbers are OQ820164, OQ820163, and OQ820160, respectively. The findings showed that the wooden support is of pinewood (Pinus halepensis), the white priming layer on top of the wooden support was identified as gypsum, the blue paint layer has been proposed to be Azurite, Au (gold) was the primary composition of the gilding layer, while Pb (lead) wa...
Egyptian Journal of Archaeological and Restoration Studies (Print), Dec 30, 2018
The aim of this paper is to study deterioration phenomena of foot case cartonnage from Saqqara ar... more The aim of this paper is to study deterioration phenomena of foot case cartonnage from Saqqara area, Egypt. There are many damage problems such as: accumulation of dust, stains, cracks of ground layer and detachment of paint and gilded layers. An analyses and investigations of different samples were performed using a number of different analytical techniques. Light microscopy (LM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR) were used. Analytical studies indicated that, cartonnage was composed of two layers; the coarse ground layer consisted of calcite and quartz as while the finer ground layer contained calcite only. Two layers of preparing double of linen textile were used as a separate layer between the previous ground layers. The pigments used for the decoration of cartonnage were identified as hematite, cinnabar and cuprorivaite. Gilded layer was identified as gold and silver. Microbiological investigation indicated the presence a fungal and bacterial infestation. The results obtained gave important knowledge about the deterioration processes of the foot case cartonnage.
The effect of microbial activity on the deterioration of archaeological stone items is a worldwid... more The effect of microbial activity on the deterioration of archaeological stone items is a worldwide issue, and conserving them with low-toxicity, ecologically benign and naturally biocides is a difficult undertaking. Molecular identification of the microbial communities from a deteriorated archaeological object (Ptahshepses stone statue) located from the Saqqara excavation, Giza, Egypt was recorded. Six essential oils (EOs) (black cumin, clove, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, and thyme) were tested for antimicrobial activity against six degrading fungal and bacterial species. Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium halotolerans, Penicillium crustosum, and Trichoderma viride and three bacterial species, Pseudomonas protegens, P. putida, and Serratia odorifera, were isolated. Of the most effective EOs, thyme showed the highest inhibition percentage (143.4%) against Serratia odorifera, followed by P. putida (135%), and Pseudomonas protegens (131.5%). Lemongrass ...
This study focused on identifying the effect of the laser wavelengths used in cleaning some manif... more This study focused on identifying the effect of the laser wavelengths used in cleaning some manifestation damage appearing in pigments used on archaeological cartonnage preserved in the Egyptian Museum, Egypt. The manifestations of damage appear as mud, resin, color, dust and microbiological damage stains. Lasers were chosen as one of the modern applications that give good results when cleaning the pigment materials without making direct contact with the material. Accordingly, lasers with a wavelength of 532 and 1064 nm were tested to identify their effect on stains caused by pigments and to choose the best one for use in cases similar to those materials in the future. This study was conducted to identify the effect of the selected wavelengths and choose the best ones to apply to the archaeological model. The evaluations were conducted using several tests and analyses, such as digital microscopy, X-ray florescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Handy colorimetry to ev...
Wooden statuette belonging to a kind of boxes or chests the "canopic chests", are repor... more Wooden statuette belonging to a kind of boxes or chests the "canopic chests", are reported in ancient Egypt from the 2nd millennium BC to Ptolemaic period. Due to their wide use, often the dating or function of such objects is questionable. In this paper we shed the light on dating and original function of this statuette through alternative multi-analytical techniques, such as, Optical Microscopy (OM), Portable X Ray fluorescence (PXRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), coupled with archaeological and typological study. The results revealed that it is depicting the God Soker in falcon headed mummy shape and was used to surmount the lid of shrine or naos shape canopic chests. Analytical investigation resulted to the identification οf wood species (Ficus sycamore), the preparation layer composed of calcium carbonates, and the pigments used: Egyptian blue, malachite, orpiment and cinnabar, while, the gilded layer is alloy of gold and silver, and the bind...
In the Police seizures museum, Citadel, Egypt, there are large numbers of the refundable objects,... more In the Police seizures museum, Citadel, Egypt, there are large numbers of the refundable objects, a lot of them undated. So, this study focuses on dating a fragment of a refundable wooden Egyptian coffin lid based on its technology and typology through multi-analytical techniques. The coffin lid was examined by visual investigation, optical microscope, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDAX, FTIR spectroscopy and Xray diffraction. These investigations were carried on to identify the used wood, preparation layers, pigments and modern interventions. With the use of this information we tried to date this piece in accordance to the previous studies concerned with the coffin construction techniques through ages. The results showed that the stratigraphy of this coffin lid corresponds to the stratigraphy of the yellow coffins, which appeared at the 18th Dynasty (1575-1307 BC) and ending suddenly at the first half of twenty-two Dynasty (~945-840 BC), according to general similarities o...
Abstract Technical and analytical investigations were carried out on a Graeco-Roman Egyptian cart... more Abstract Technical and analytical investigations were carried out on a Graeco-Roman Egyptian cartonnage from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (TR: 20.12.25.6-SR: 5/290). It belonged to Meter son of Kolanthes, as written in Demotic. Complimentary techniques were used in this study; the optical microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a scan made using an electron microscope coupled with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The layered structure of the cartonnage was unique, as it comprises; a polychrome layer, a calcite-based plaster layer, a mixed mud and sawdust support layer and finishing calcite plaster layer. The predictable textile layer did not exist; instead, small patches of textile were added in some areas of the cartonnage. Besides, the mud and sawdust layer was not a common practice in the cartonnage industry. The pigment colours employed were yellow, blue, red, green, orange, pink, white and black. Yellow was identified as orpiment (As2S3) and yellow ochre (goethite α-FeO.OH + clay minerals), blue as Egyptian blue [Cuprorivaite (CaCuSi4O10)], pink as madder (anthraquinone components), red as red ochre (α-Fe2O3 + clay minerals), orange as an admixture of orpiment and haematite (α-Fe2O3), green as malachite [CuCO3Cu(OH)2] and atacamite [CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2], and white as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and calcite (CaCO3). The black pigment, magnetite (Fe3O4) was detected for the first time in the pigment palette of ancient Egyptian cartonnage. Gilding was applied over an orange bole layer and the binding medium in both the calcite based plaster layers, as well as the polychrome layers, was identified as animal glue.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The present study seeks to investigate the changes in the elemental composition of pigments due t... more The present study seeks to investigate the changes in the elemental composition of pigments due to consolidation. Therefore, the effect of the consolidation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel G) of different concentrations and its mixture with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the black, red, and ochre pigments applied on chalk-based preparation layers before and after aging were studied. Additionally, the role of ZnO nanoparticles in protecting the pigments after UV aging has been examined. The color change due to consolidation solutions was measured by the spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Interestingly, the results revealed that all the painted samples treated with Klucel G (1%) and nano-ZnO (1%), as additives, showed the least color change values. Moreover, SEM-EDX and LIBS analyses prove the ability of ZnO nanoparticles to enhance the durability of consolidants and coatings toward aging.
The archeological objects constitute an important part of the worldwide cultural heritage. The im... more The archeological objects constitute an important part of the worldwide cultural heritage. The impact of the fungal activity on the deterioration of cultural heritage is a global problem and their preservation over time is a challenging task. Antifungal activities of 12 essential oils (EOs) (black cumin, castor, cinnamon, clove, cumin, garlic, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, menthe, olive, and thyme) were examined against 16 fungal species isolated from three tested archaeological objects (wall painting stone, wooden statue, and pottery coffin) from Saqqara stores in Egypt. Molecular identification was carried out for the highly frequent species (Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Rhizopus oryzae) in the three tested archaeological samples. Antifungal activity and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested EOs with different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 ll/ ml) were measured. The most efficient EOs were thyme (MIC ranged from 0.25-0.75ll/ml) followed by clove (MIC ranged from 0.25-1 ll/ml) and geranium, (MIC ranged from 0.5-1 ll/ml). Thymol (37.1%) and p-Cymene (26.32%) were the active constituents of thyme, while Triacetin (69.36%) and eugenol (28.67) were the most efficient components of clove oil followed by geranium active components (a-Citronellol 20.62% and Geraniol 14.43%). Aspergillus niger was the most resistance species, while Fusarium oxysporum and Penicilium citrinium were the most susceptible ones.
Samples removed from stucco ornaments of two mosques (seventeenth century) in El-Mahalla El-Kubra... more Samples removed from stucco ornaments of two mosques (seventeenth century) in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Delta, Egypt, are investigated using optical microscopy, micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Samples are studied as removed from the ornaments and after treatment with trichloromethane, which was used to extract the organic content. Moreover, the stratigraphies of the ornaments are investigated through a sample’s cross-section analysis revealing a bulk stucco layer, a colouring layer (either red or black) and overpainted layers of later interventions.Red and black colouring layers are composed mainly of fired brick enriched with hematite and carbon black, respectively. Shellac, found in high quantities, is the binding medium used in the colouring layers where small amounts of tree resins are detected as well. Bulk stucco is composed of gypsum and calcite. Metal soaps, oil and tree resins are also detected in the stucco layers. Other identifications are described in the report which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first effort to identify the materials contained in the “Delta style” stucco used in Ottoman buildings in Egypt.
The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage is one of the main concerns within Egypt. ... more The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage is one of the main concerns within Egypt. This study is to analyse and invistigate one coffin from Saqqara for restoration and conservation. This excavation belonged to the Supreme Council of Antiquities. This coffin is dating back to the late period. It was fine and executed in a perfect artistic state. The drawings and colours are clear and skilfull. The coffin is consisting of two pieces; lid and box . The lid is decorated with many colourants. The face is pleasant. The hands were separately carved and pegged in. The coffin lid contains a wooden support, layer of cloth, preparing layer of gesso and many coloures were used as red, black, and brown. The general condition of the coffin was poor. There was cracking on the surface and the structure, loss in the wood surface and gesso, serious flacking , cupping of some pigments and serious damage in both the wooden suport and gesso layer due to the biodeterioration damage. Insects...
Samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco ornaments of the medallions of... more Samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco ornaments of the medallions of The Amir Sayf Al Din- Ol Mas Al Hageb mosque that located in Helmia Street, Cairo, Egypt. The mosque belonged to the Bahari Mamluk period and it was built in (730H.- 1330A.D.). The stucco ornaments in the medallions are suffering from many deterioration aspects specially color spots which were observed as a result of fungal deterioration .Different analysis and investigations were used such as x-ray diffraction (XRD) , energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) .The data showed that gypsum, calcite were the major components of the stucco ornaments .Five different fungal species were isolated from the colored spots: ( Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium pallidoroseum, and Mucor racemosus). The effect of ozonized olive oil (Oleozone) on the previous fungi was tested. The o...
This study is to analyse and investigate the components of the stucco, explain the execution tech... more This study is to analyse and investigate the components of the stucco, explain the execution technique and the deterioration products for future treatment and conservation. The Ribate of Mostafa Pasha from Ayyubid period located in El Emam El Shafie area, Cairo, Egypt. It was built in (667 - 686H.) (1267- 1283 A.D.). Stucco ornaments in the largest mihrab is suffering from many deterioration aspects such as: lost parts in stucco ornaments, detachment between the ornaments and its support, dark spots, macro and micro cracks. Micro samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco mihrab for studying the stucco components besides the deterioration aspects by analytical study with different methods as XRD and EDX equipped with SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA), Raman spectrometry and polarizing microscope (PM). Data showed that stucco ornaments were applied in two layers, (inner layer) consisted of gypsum as major component, quartz and calcite...
ABSTRACT An archeological wooden painted coffin was excavated in Tety tomb from Saqqara excavatio... more ABSTRACT An archeological wooden painted coffin was excavated in Tety tomb from Saqqara excavation. It belonged to the Ministry of Antiquities. This coffin was discovered in a bad state of conservation with many destroyed big and small pieces in Saqqara stores. Analyses and investigation study were performed on the ground layer of the coffin by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X ray analysis (EDX) equipped with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results confirmed that the degradation factors affecting the wooden painted coffin are essentially attributed to direct effects of microbial phenomena, which have lead to many deterioration forms as: macro- and microcracks, hydrated salts, flaking, coloration, scaling and defoliation microbiological spots. Nine deteriorating fungal species were isolated from the painted and ground layers of the tested coffin. Fusarium moniliforme followed by Aspergillus flavus able to significantly solublize calcium salts as major components of the ground layer of archeological wooden coffin. Effect of ozone and Gamma sterilization on growth; lipid, tryptophan oxidation and protein, nucleic acid leakage in the most dominant toxigenic deteriorated fungal species were detected. No mycelial growth was observed at 4 ppm of ozone at all exposure times. As Gamma radiation dose increased over 250 Gy, the growth parameter gradually decreased to reach the lethal dose at 2000 Gy. The production of mycotoxins by the tested toxigenic fungi was completely disappeared under the exposure to 3 ppm and 90 min to ozone.
... 199526. Gupta, VP, Govindaiah, A KB and Datta, R K. 1995. Antagonistic potential of Trichoder... more ... 199526. Gupta, VP, Govindaiah, A KB and Datta, R K. 1995. Antagonistic potential of Trichoderma and Gliocladium species to Botryodiplodia theobromae infecting mulberry. Ind J Mycol Pl Pathol , 25: 118–125. View all references). ...
Some cartonnage fragments from Hawara, Fayoum Excavation were examined to identify pigments, medi... more Some cartonnage fragments from Hawara, Fayoum Excavation were examined to identify pigments, media and grounds. It belonged to the Greek-Roman period. They were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X ray analysis (EDS) equipped with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques were used to identify the composition and morphology of grounds, nature of pigments and media used in cartonnage fragments. The coarse ground layer was composed of calcite and traces of quartz. The fine ground layer used under the pigments directly was composed of calcite only. Carbon black was used as black pigment while lead oxide as red pigment, showing the influence of Roman and Greek pigments on Egyptian art in these later periods. Blue colorant was identified as cuprorivaite and yellow pigment was goethite. Animal glue was used in the four pigments as medium colored.
The present study was applied on an archaeological cartonnage piece from lisht site to identify t... more The present study was applied on an archaeological cartonnage piece from lisht site to identify the chemical composition of the cartonnage materials and the damage forms that were resulted from buried soil. The examination process was implemented via the sampling techniques using Scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the Egyptian blue (cuprorivaite), Egyptian green and red ocher were used as the pigment layer. The linen was used as a textile layer and calcium carbonate (calcite) as the preparation layer. The gum Arabic used as an organic media which was used in all layers as a binder of the cartonnage component. These materials suffered from the effect of surrounding environmental conditions in lisht especially the effect of diversity in the air temperature that was influenced the object tensile strength and caused a general weakness of all layers. It also caused shrinkage and wrinkle to the textile layer. Microbiological tests were performed for two swabs from the pigment layer and the textile layer to identify the bacteria and fungi species which affected the cartonnage material. Burkholderia Sp. was identified on the red pigment surfaces and the textile layer. Burkholderia Sp., bacteria species usually convert cellulose and hemicelluloses polysaccharides into a saccharified solution containing mixed sugars that used as a carbon source. This process plays a role in promoting The microbiological damage Which damages the organic material properties and caused the surface staining
This study focuses on the magnificent decoration of a painted and gilded wooden panel with signs ... more This study focuses on the magnificent decoration of a painted and gilded wooden panel with signs of fungal biodeterioration caused by Aspergillus species in the Mausoleum of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay, Cairo, Egypt. Numerous spectroscopic analyses and investigation techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscope Equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) have been used to study the materials that comprise this painted and gilded wooden panel composition. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and A. terreus were recognized as isolated fungi, and their accession numbers are OQ820164, OQ820163, and OQ820160, respectively. The findings showed that the wooden support is of pinewood (Pinus halepensis), the white priming layer on top of the wooden support was identified as gypsum, the blue paint layer has been proposed to be Azurite, Au (gold) was the primary composition of the gilding layer, while Pb (lead) wa...
Egyptian Journal of Archaeological and Restoration Studies (Print), Dec 30, 2018
The aim of this paper is to study deterioration phenomena of foot case cartonnage from Saqqara ar... more The aim of this paper is to study deterioration phenomena of foot case cartonnage from Saqqara area, Egypt. There are many damage problems such as: accumulation of dust, stains, cracks of ground layer and detachment of paint and gilded layers. An analyses and investigations of different samples were performed using a number of different analytical techniques. Light microscopy (LM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR) were used. Analytical studies indicated that, cartonnage was composed of two layers; the coarse ground layer consisted of calcite and quartz as while the finer ground layer contained calcite only. Two layers of preparing double of linen textile were used as a separate layer between the previous ground layers. The pigments used for the decoration of cartonnage were identified as hematite, cinnabar and cuprorivaite. Gilded layer was identified as gold and silver. Microbiological investigation indicated the presence a fungal and bacterial infestation. The results obtained gave important knowledge about the deterioration processes of the foot case cartonnage.
The effect of microbial activity on the deterioration of archaeological stone items is a worldwid... more The effect of microbial activity on the deterioration of archaeological stone items is a worldwide issue, and conserving them with low-toxicity, ecologically benign and naturally biocides is a difficult undertaking. Molecular identification of the microbial communities from a deteriorated archaeological object (Ptahshepses stone statue) located from the Saqqara excavation, Giza, Egypt was recorded. Six essential oils (EOs) (black cumin, clove, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, and thyme) were tested for antimicrobial activity against six degrading fungal and bacterial species. Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium halotolerans, Penicillium crustosum, and Trichoderma viride and three bacterial species, Pseudomonas protegens, P. putida, and Serratia odorifera, were isolated. Of the most effective EOs, thyme showed the highest inhibition percentage (143.4%) against Serratia odorifera, followed by P. putida (135%), and Pseudomonas protegens (131.5%). Lemongrass ...
This study focused on identifying the effect of the laser wavelengths used in cleaning some manif... more This study focused on identifying the effect of the laser wavelengths used in cleaning some manifestation damage appearing in pigments used on archaeological cartonnage preserved in the Egyptian Museum, Egypt. The manifestations of damage appear as mud, resin, color, dust and microbiological damage stains. Lasers were chosen as one of the modern applications that give good results when cleaning the pigment materials without making direct contact with the material. Accordingly, lasers with a wavelength of 532 and 1064 nm were tested to identify their effect on stains caused by pigments and to choose the best one for use in cases similar to those materials in the future. This study was conducted to identify the effect of the selected wavelengths and choose the best ones to apply to the archaeological model. The evaluations were conducted using several tests and analyses, such as digital microscopy, X-ray florescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Handy colorimetry to ev...
Wooden statuette belonging to a kind of boxes or chests the "canopic chests", are repor... more Wooden statuette belonging to a kind of boxes or chests the "canopic chests", are reported in ancient Egypt from the 2nd millennium BC to Ptolemaic period. Due to their wide use, often the dating or function of such objects is questionable. In this paper we shed the light on dating and original function of this statuette through alternative multi-analytical techniques, such as, Optical Microscopy (OM), Portable X Ray fluorescence (PXRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), coupled with archaeological and typological study. The results revealed that it is depicting the God Soker in falcon headed mummy shape and was used to surmount the lid of shrine or naos shape canopic chests. Analytical investigation resulted to the identification οf wood species (Ficus sycamore), the preparation layer composed of calcium carbonates, and the pigments used: Egyptian blue, malachite, orpiment and cinnabar, while, the gilded layer is alloy of gold and silver, and the bind...
In the Police seizures museum, Citadel, Egypt, there are large numbers of the refundable objects,... more In the Police seizures museum, Citadel, Egypt, there are large numbers of the refundable objects, a lot of them undated. So, this study focuses on dating a fragment of a refundable wooden Egyptian coffin lid based on its technology and typology through multi-analytical techniques. The coffin lid was examined by visual investigation, optical microscope, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDAX, FTIR spectroscopy and Xray diffraction. These investigations were carried on to identify the used wood, preparation layers, pigments and modern interventions. With the use of this information we tried to date this piece in accordance to the previous studies concerned with the coffin construction techniques through ages. The results showed that the stratigraphy of this coffin lid corresponds to the stratigraphy of the yellow coffins, which appeared at the 18th Dynasty (1575-1307 BC) and ending suddenly at the first half of twenty-two Dynasty (~945-840 BC), according to general similarities o...
Abstract Technical and analytical investigations were carried out on a Graeco-Roman Egyptian cart... more Abstract Technical and analytical investigations were carried out on a Graeco-Roman Egyptian cartonnage from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (TR: 20.12.25.6-SR: 5/290). It belonged to Meter son of Kolanthes, as written in Demotic. Complimentary techniques were used in this study; the optical microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a scan made using an electron microscope coupled with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The layered structure of the cartonnage was unique, as it comprises; a polychrome layer, a calcite-based plaster layer, a mixed mud and sawdust support layer and finishing calcite plaster layer. The predictable textile layer did not exist; instead, small patches of textile were added in some areas of the cartonnage. Besides, the mud and sawdust layer was not a common practice in the cartonnage industry. The pigment colours employed were yellow, blue, red, green, orange, pink, white and black. Yellow was identified as orpiment (As2S3) and yellow ochre (goethite α-FeO.OH + clay minerals), blue as Egyptian blue [Cuprorivaite (CaCuSi4O10)], pink as madder (anthraquinone components), red as red ochre (α-Fe2O3 + clay minerals), orange as an admixture of orpiment and haematite (α-Fe2O3), green as malachite [CuCO3Cu(OH)2] and atacamite [CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2], and white as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and calcite (CaCO3). The black pigment, magnetite (Fe3O4) was detected for the first time in the pigment palette of ancient Egyptian cartonnage. Gilding was applied over an orange bole layer and the binding medium in both the calcite based plaster layers, as well as the polychrome layers, was identified as animal glue.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The present study seeks to investigate the changes in the elemental composition of pigments due t... more The present study seeks to investigate the changes in the elemental composition of pigments due to consolidation. Therefore, the effect of the consolidation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel G) of different concentrations and its mixture with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the black, red, and ochre pigments applied on chalk-based preparation layers before and after aging were studied. Additionally, the role of ZnO nanoparticles in protecting the pigments after UV aging has been examined. The color change due to consolidation solutions was measured by the spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Interestingly, the results revealed that all the painted samples treated with Klucel G (1%) and nano-ZnO (1%), as additives, showed the least color change values. Moreover, SEM-EDX and LIBS analyses prove the ability of ZnO nanoparticles to enhance the durability of consolidants and coatings toward aging.
The archeological objects constitute an important part of the worldwide cultural heritage. The im... more The archeological objects constitute an important part of the worldwide cultural heritage. The impact of the fungal activity on the deterioration of cultural heritage is a global problem and their preservation over time is a challenging task. Antifungal activities of 12 essential oils (EOs) (black cumin, castor, cinnamon, clove, cumin, garlic, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, menthe, olive, and thyme) were examined against 16 fungal species isolated from three tested archaeological objects (wall painting stone, wooden statue, and pottery coffin) from Saqqara stores in Egypt. Molecular identification was carried out for the highly frequent species (Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Rhizopus oryzae) in the three tested archaeological samples. Antifungal activity and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested EOs with different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 ll/ ml) were measured. The most efficient EOs were thyme (MIC ranged from 0.25-0.75ll/ml) followed by clove (MIC ranged from 0.25-1 ll/ml) and geranium, (MIC ranged from 0.5-1 ll/ml). Thymol (37.1%) and p-Cymene (26.32%) were the active constituents of thyme, while Triacetin (69.36%) and eugenol (28.67) were the most efficient components of clove oil followed by geranium active components (a-Citronellol 20.62% and Geraniol 14.43%). Aspergillus niger was the most resistance species, while Fusarium oxysporum and Penicilium citrinium were the most susceptible ones.
Samples removed from stucco ornaments of two mosques (seventeenth century) in El-Mahalla El-Kubra... more Samples removed from stucco ornaments of two mosques (seventeenth century) in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Delta, Egypt, are investigated using optical microscopy, micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Samples are studied as removed from the ornaments and after treatment with trichloromethane, which was used to extract the organic content. Moreover, the stratigraphies of the ornaments are investigated through a sample’s cross-section analysis revealing a bulk stucco layer, a colouring layer (either red or black) and overpainted layers of later interventions.Red and black colouring layers are composed mainly of fired brick enriched with hematite and carbon black, respectively. Shellac, found in high quantities, is the binding medium used in the colouring layers where small amounts of tree resins are detected as well. Bulk stucco is composed of gypsum and calcite. Metal soaps, oil and tree resins are also detected in the stucco layers. Other identifications are described in the report which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first effort to identify the materials contained in the “Delta style” stucco used in Ottoman buildings in Egypt.
The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage is one of the main concerns within Egypt. ... more The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage is one of the main concerns within Egypt. This study is to analyse and invistigate one coffin from Saqqara for restoration and conservation. This excavation belonged to the Supreme Council of Antiquities. This coffin is dating back to the late period. It was fine and executed in a perfect artistic state. The drawings and colours are clear and skilfull. The coffin is consisting of two pieces; lid and box . The lid is decorated with many colourants. The face is pleasant. The hands were separately carved and pegged in. The coffin lid contains a wooden support, layer of cloth, preparing layer of gesso and many coloures were used as red, black, and brown. The general condition of the coffin was poor. There was cracking on the surface and the structure, loss in the wood surface and gesso, serious flacking , cupping of some pigments and serious damage in both the wooden suport and gesso layer due to the biodeterioration damage. Insects...
Samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco ornaments of the medallions of... more Samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco ornaments of the medallions of The Amir Sayf Al Din- Ol Mas Al Hageb mosque that located in Helmia Street, Cairo, Egypt. The mosque belonged to the Bahari Mamluk period and it was built in (730H.- 1330A.D.). The stucco ornaments in the medallions are suffering from many deterioration aspects specially color spots which were observed as a result of fungal deterioration .Different analysis and investigations were used such as x-ray diffraction (XRD) , energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) .The data showed that gypsum, calcite were the major components of the stucco ornaments .Five different fungal species were isolated from the colored spots: ( Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium pallidoroseum, and Mucor racemosus). The effect of ozonized olive oil (Oleozone) on the previous fungi was tested. The o...
This study is to analyse and investigate the components of the stucco, explain the execution tech... more This study is to analyse and investigate the components of the stucco, explain the execution technique and the deterioration products for future treatment and conservation. The Ribate of Mostafa Pasha from Ayyubid period located in El Emam El Shafie area, Cairo, Egypt. It was built in (667 - 686H.) (1267- 1283 A.D.). Stucco ornaments in the largest mihrab is suffering from many deterioration aspects such as: lost parts in stucco ornaments, detachment between the ornaments and its support, dark spots, macro and micro cracks. Micro samples were collected from the deteriorated parts from the stucco mihrab for studying the stucco components besides the deterioration aspects by analytical study with different methods as XRD and EDX equipped with SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA), Raman spectrometry and polarizing microscope (PM). Data showed that stucco ornaments were applied in two layers, (inner layer) consisted of gypsum as major component, quartz and calcite...
ABSTRACT An archeological wooden painted coffin was excavated in Tety tomb from Saqqara excavatio... more ABSTRACT An archeological wooden painted coffin was excavated in Tety tomb from Saqqara excavation. It belonged to the Ministry of Antiquities. This coffin was discovered in a bad state of conservation with many destroyed big and small pieces in Saqqara stores. Analyses and investigation study were performed on the ground layer of the coffin by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X ray analysis (EDX) equipped with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results confirmed that the degradation factors affecting the wooden painted coffin are essentially attributed to direct effects of microbial phenomena, which have lead to many deterioration forms as: macro- and microcracks, hydrated salts, flaking, coloration, scaling and defoliation microbiological spots. Nine deteriorating fungal species were isolated from the painted and ground layers of the tested coffin. Fusarium moniliforme followed by Aspergillus flavus able to significantly solublize calcium salts as major components of the ground layer of archeological wooden coffin. Effect of ozone and Gamma sterilization on growth; lipid, tryptophan oxidation and protein, nucleic acid leakage in the most dominant toxigenic deteriorated fungal species were detected. No mycelial growth was observed at 4 ppm of ozone at all exposure times. As Gamma radiation dose increased over 250 Gy, the growth parameter gradually decreased to reach the lethal dose at 2000 Gy. The production of mycotoxins by the tested toxigenic fungi was completely disappeared under the exposure to 3 ppm and 90 min to ozone.
... 199526. Gupta, VP, Govindaiah, A KB and Datta, R K. 1995. Antagonistic potential of Trichoder... more ... 199526. Gupta, VP, Govindaiah, A KB and Datta, R K. 1995. Antagonistic potential of Trichoderma and Gliocladium species to Botryodiplodia theobromae infecting mulberry. Ind J Mycol Pl Pathol , 25: 118–125. View all references). ...
Some cartonnage fragments from Hawara, Fayoum Excavation were examined to identify pigments, medi... more Some cartonnage fragments from Hawara, Fayoum Excavation were examined to identify pigments, media and grounds. It belonged to the Greek-Roman period. They were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X ray analysis (EDS) equipped with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques were used to identify the composition and morphology of grounds, nature of pigments and media used in cartonnage fragments. The coarse ground layer was composed of calcite and traces of quartz. The fine ground layer used under the pigments directly was composed of calcite only. Carbon black was used as black pigment while lead oxide as red pigment, showing the influence of Roman and Greek pigments on Egyptian art in these later periods. Blue colorant was identified as cuprorivaite and yellow pigment was goethite. Animal glue was used in the four pigments as medium colored.
The present study was applied on an archaeological cartonnage piece from lisht site to identify t... more The present study was applied on an archaeological cartonnage piece from lisht site to identify the chemical composition of the cartonnage materials and the damage forms that were resulted from buried soil. The examination process was implemented via the sampling techniques using Scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the Egyptian blue (cuprorivaite), Egyptian green and red ocher were used as the pigment layer. The linen was used as a textile layer and calcium carbonate (calcite) as the preparation layer. The gum Arabic used as an organic media which was used in all layers as a binder of the cartonnage component. These materials suffered from the effect of surrounding environmental conditions in lisht especially the effect of diversity in the air temperature that was influenced the object tensile strength and caused a general weakness of all layers. It also caused shrinkage and wrinkle to the textile layer. Microbiological tests were performed for two swabs from the pigment layer and the textile layer to identify the bacteria and fungi species which affected the cartonnage material. Burkholderia Sp. was identified on the red pigment surfaces and the textile layer. Burkholderia Sp., bacteria species usually convert cellulose and hemicelluloses polysaccharides into a saccharified solution containing mixed sugars that used as a carbon source. This process plays a role in promoting The microbiological damage Which damages the organic material properties and caused the surface staining
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