final report “tt 110-qurna, small objects and their first
TRANSCRIPT
FINAL REPORT
“TT 110-Qurna, Small Objects and their First Aid Treatments”
Khadija Adam
Season 2015-2016
Cultural Heritage Tourism Project in Egypt (APS) USAID Agreement No. 263-A-15-00007
Awarded to THE AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT (ARCE)
Address: 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 320, Alexandria, VA 22 314, Tel: (703) 721 3479
By the USAID Program Office of Productive Sector Development / Office of the Environment /
USAID / Egypt
In collaboration with the United States Agency for International development and the Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities.
AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Small Objects and their First Aid Treatments
TT 110-Qurna
Final Report, Season 2015 -2016
Report by: Khadija Adam – Conservation Manager – ARCE Luxor
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Small objects discovered during the TT 110 excavation 3
Extraction and Transfer Methods for Small Objects during the Excavation 4
Classification of Small Objects from TT 110 5
Ushabtis 5
Wooden coffin fragments 6
Cartonnage fragments 6
Wooden object fragments 7
Pottery 8
Funerary cones 8
Canopic jar fragments 9
Amulets 9
Metal objects 10
Stone fragments 10
Ostraca 11
Small Object First Aid Methodology 12
Mechanical cleaning 12
Consolidation 13
Reconnecting fragments 14
Packing 16
Documentation and Archiving Methodology 18
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Introduction:
Since 2012, ARCE has been working at the TT 110 excavation site. TT 110 is located on
the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, on the border between Sheikh Abd el Qurna and El-
Khokha. TT 110 belonged to Djehuty, who held the position of Cup-bearer (Royal Butler)
under both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III.
The tomb, which was excavated in 2014, consists of a short transverse hall, a passage
along the axis, and a hall with two stone pillars. The entrance of the tomb faces east, and
the transverse hall and passage way are covered with reliefs and paintings.
1- Small objects discovered during the TT 110 excavation:
The types of small objects that were discovered during the TT 110 excavation
include tools, ushabtis, wooden coffin fragments, cartonnage, stone fragments,
funerary ornaments, bones, and pots and dishes meant to serve the deceased in the
afterlife.
2- Stratigraphy:
The forecourt had been excavated by two field schools before the ARCE
archaeology team began their excavations. The stratigraphy sequence of the
forecourt is as follows: the top layer is the
modern Qurna occupation phase, which
contains modern artifacts, and the subsequent
layer contains flashflood accumulations and a
robbers’ cut. The tomb was reused during the
Coptic period as a house. Structures and
grapevines from this time period were found
in the middle of the forecourt.
The forecourt during excavation
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
3-Extraction and Transfer Methods for Small Objects during the Excavation:
Small objects are usually extracted from the soil by archaeologists, and fragile or
perishable objects are removed by the conservator. The objects are extracted in a delicate
manner, which varies according to the object’s condition.
Extraction and transfer of wooden coffins and pottery jars found in an excavated layer around the forecourt of TT 110
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Classification of Small Objects from TT 110:
1- Ushabtis:
Different types of ushabtis and ushabti fragments were found in TT 110. These
ushabtis vary in terms of material, formation, and decoration and can be classified into
three main groups. The first type is made from faience and has inscriptions under the
glaze. The second type is made of non-seared mud and is covered with a layer of green
plaster that has black inscriptions on it. The third type is made from burnt clay and is
covered with a layer of white plaster that has black inscriptions on it.
Ushabti types
First Type Second Type Third Type
First Type Second Type Third Type
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT [QURNA PROJECT_ FIRST AID FOR THE SMALL OBJECTS _ 2015 -2016]
American Research Center in Egypt Luxor 6
2- Wooden coffin fragments:
During the excavation, many wooden coffin fragments were discovered
representing different parts of complete mummy coffins. These fragments were in a
variety of conditions, some of good condition and others in very poor condition. They
were covered with a layer of colored plaster, color decorations, and an insulating layer.
Most pieces date back to the New Kingdom (source: Excavation Report, ARCE team).
3- Cartonnage fragments:
The archaeologists discovered many pieces of cartonnage representing different
parts of a complete coffin. The cartonnage was in varying degrees of condition, some of
good grade and others of very weak grade. They were covered with a layer of colored
plaster and color decorations. On some parts, there was an insulating layer and black
finger marks.
Wooden coffin fragments
Cartonnage fragments
AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Some cartonnage fragments contained 1 to 3 layers of linen and others contained
3 to 5 layers of linen.
4- Wooden Objects:
Different types of wooden objects were found in TT 110. Some wooden
objects were from furniture and were decorated with ivory and animal skin. We also
found an object that was possibly a toy. This object consists of a wooden rod with a
thick wooden fish hanging on the end of a line. The wooden objects that were found
were created from a variety of trees, including sycamore, willow, acacia, tamarisk,
cedar, eucalyptus, ficus, palm, doom, date palm, pine, mahogany, and ebony.
Black finger marks
Wooden objects
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
5- Pottery:
Pottery items, including dishes, jars, pots, vessels, and oil lamps were discovered
in TT 110. Some of these items were used in daily life, while others were used for
funerary rituals. Some pottery objects were decorated with floral designs, while others
had stripes on them. Different colors were used to paint the pottery, including blue,
brown, red, black, and white. Storage jars were often white.
6- Funerary Cones:
We discovered many funerary cones made of clay. Some cones were pressed
with stamps, which had the names and titles of the deceased on them. A few cones had
remains of paint or wash preserved on the surface.
Pottery types
Funerary cones
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
7- Canopic Jar Fragments:
Parts of canopic jars, which were used to store the internal organs of the
deceased, were found in TT 110. Most fragments of the jars were made from clay and
took the shape of the human face. Some of them were painted black or blue, while
others did not have any color.
8- Amulets:
Many beads, necklaces, scarabs, and amulets made from faience were discovered
in the tomb. Most of these objects were blue, and some were supplemented with
yellow, red, and black. These objects were used as ornaments and funerary
appurtenances.
Canopic jar fragments
Amulets types
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
9- Metal Objects:
Metal objects, such as coins, mummification tools, and rings, were discovered in
TT 110. All of these objects were made from bronze alloy, and they were recovered in
good condition from different regions and layers in the soil.
10- Stone Fragments:
Stone fragments with reliefs and paint on them were found in the tomb. The
fragments are from different architectural elements in the tomb, including the threshold,
walls, and ceiling.
Types of stone fragments found in TT 110
Different types of metal objects
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FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
11- Ostraca:
Several ostraca, made from different materials such as limestone and pottery, were
found in the tomb. Some ostraca had black hieratic writing on them, while others had red and
black animal graphics on them.
Types of ostraca found in the tomb
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Small Object First Aid Methodology:
1. Mechanical Cleaning:
Mechanical cleaning aims to remove deposits from an object’s surface. Where
applicable, we use fine brushes, coarse brushes, and white and yellow wishabs to clean
the surface of objects. Scalpels are used to remove surface debris and sediment deposits
from cracks and crevices.
Result of mechanical cleaning tests on the cartonnage
Mechanical cleaning of folding chair fragments
Before mechanical cleaning of cartonnage fragments
After mechanical cleaning of cartonnage fragments
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
For this Roman coin, tentatively identified as representing the Tetrarchy emperor
Licinius, fiber pens were used to mechanically remove the corrosion layers.
2. Consolidation Methodology:
In order to restore the strength and durability of weak objects, we consolidated them.
Our consolidation process includes applying substances that strengthen the objects
without negatively affecting them. The objects can then be safely stored. To
consolidate stones and pottery we used Klucell G 5%, and to consolidate plaster and
paint layers we used Klucell G 2%. To consolidate the cartonnage, we used Carboxy
methyl cellulose.
Chemical cleaning of coins
Before
After
Before
After
Back Side
Front Side
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
3. Methodology for Reconnecting Fragments:
For all types of fragments, the main goal is to reconnect the pieces with the
appropriate materials in order to restore the original shape of the object.
• Ushabti Fragments:
We used glue to piece together ushabti fragments and C.M.C to piece together
cartonnage fragments. We did this as carefully as possible to avoid any distortion of the
pieces.
• Cartonnage Fragments:
In order to reconnect cartonnage fragments, we begin by making a small space in
between the cartonnage layers (1). In the small space, we apply C.M.C and then put Japanese
paper strips inside the space (2). Half of the paper strip is inside the cartonnage, while the
other half protrudes outside of the cartonnage. Then, we make a small space in the other
cartonnage fragment, apply CMC in it, and then insert the paper strips, which are attached to
the other fragment, into this space (3). Then we apply more paper strips over the joined area
for additional support (4). After everything dries, we put a silicon sheet over the cartonnage
and compress the layers.
1 2
3
Piecing together ushabi fragments
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
• Amulet and Pottery Fragments:
We used glue to fix amulets and pottery fragments. In some cases, we needed
to fill small patches with a micro balloon to ensure the success of the assembly
process.
Piecing together cartonnage fragments
Before
1 2 3
4 5 6
After
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
5. Packing:
The goal of the packing process is to preserve the objects after their initial first aid
treatment. After the object is properly packed, we transport it to adequate storage
conditions until the object is ready to be fully restored. For packing, we use wooden or
plastic boxes that are specially prepared for each piece according its dimensions. We
place different density filler material (usually sponge) in the box and then put Japanese
Reconstruction of fragments for different objects
Before
Before
After
After
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
paper between the filler and the object in order to avoid any friction between the object
and the filler material.
Packing process for small objects after first aid treatment
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AMERICAN RESEARCH CENTER IN EGYPT-LUXOR
FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT QURNA EXCAVATION SMALL OBJECTS FIRST AID TREATMENTS ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016
Documentation and Archiving Methodology:
The recording and documentation of small objects from the storeroom is a joint effort
between archaeologists and conservators, as the first aid work often required for small
objects requires a registration form that must be obtained from an archaeologist. With
their help, we can more effectively record the first aid process for each object.
Archaeological registration form
Conservation registration form
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