CHARACTERIZATION OF A GRECO-ROMAN STUCCO MASK (REG. NO. 229) PRESERVED AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION, CAIRO, EGYPT

Abstract

The Greco-Roman stucco masks are of great historical, artistic and religious importance. According to the restoration-conservation strategies, the detailed mineral characterization of artifacts is an important step that facilitates the selection of appropriate restoration procedures. Different characterization techniques such as USB digital microscope, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/DTG), Fourier transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopies were used. The results indicated that gypsum is the main component of the stucco mask. As well, calcite was found as an impurity or an addition together with halite and anhydrite as deterioration products. The iron nail corrosion was the reason for a notable discoloration to the stucco mask. FTIR analysis confirms that animal glue is the adhesive material used for the reassembly of the mask. The used pigments for painting the mask are hematite for red-orange color, mixture of hematite and magnetite for brown color and mixture of gypsum and hematite for the white brown color.