PRE-CASTING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR COMPENSATION OF MISSING PARTS: APPLIED TO THE LID OF THE GRANITIC SARCOPHAGUS OF TJAY, TOMB -TT23 AT LUXOR-QURNA

Abstract

: This research deals with some defects resulting from the compensation of granite artifacts by direct casting including the leakage of a used liquid or plastic substance on the surface of the artifact causing its distortion. It also includes the subsequent treatment that is carried out to clean such leakage by using mechanical abrasive tools resulting in scratches, cracks, surface deformation, loss, etc. Additionally, the application of unsuitable materials such as white cement h as its defects. This work aims to make a blank of the missing area and then mould and cast it away from the object as an alternative gap-filling technique. That was applied on a granitic sarcophagus of Tjay tomb 23. An original sample was taken from the broken fractures of the sarcophagus and examined in terms of color, texture, and strength, then the same type of granite was brought from Aswan and crushed, then mixed with two types of Araldites, and white cement as binders. After evaluation of different mixtures, Araldite 1092 PY was chosen to be applied with coarse granite grains to be pre-casted and reinstalled. Compared to the traditional method of compensation, the authors' opinion described technique will provide a useful example of an alternative casting technique reducing the potential for any damage.