EXAMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF A PAINTED WOODEN FUNERARY STELA FROM THE LATE PERIOD AT THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IN CAIRO

Abstract

: This study presents the results of various analytical techniques applied to a painted wooden stela in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The examined elements of the stela included the wooden support, the prepared layer, and the various colors overlaying it. The techniques applied were the analysis of a cross-section from the wooden support using a USB digital microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR), and Visible-induced Infrared Luminescence (VIL). The study also focused on the most active fungi that grow on the wood. The analysis of the pigments revealed the presence of Egyptian green and blue, hematite, calcium carbonate, and orpiment. These were applied on an orpiment background. An organic binder in the form of gum Arabic was detected, indicating the application of the tempera technique. The wooden support was made of sycamore wood. The preparation layer consisted of calcium carbonate with silicon as the base layer, followed by a layer of calcite.