Multi-Technique Characterization of Cartonnage and Linen Samples of an Egyptian Mummy from the Roman Period

• Published in: Quantum beam science 2024-09, Vol.8 (3), p.22
• Main Authors: Sanches, Francis, Franzi, Isis, Cavalcante, Josiane, Borges, Roberta, de Paula, Anderson, Machado, Alessandra, Nardes, Raysa, Santos, Ramon, Gama Filho, Hamilton, Freitas, Renato, Assis, Joaquim, Anjos, Marcelino, Lopes, Ricardo, Oliveira, Davi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeology; Art works; Artifact identification; Chemical composition; Cultural heritage; Cultural resources; Diffraction; Egyptian civilization; Egyptian mummy; Egyptology; Fourier transforms; Fragments; Historic artifacts; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Linen; Methods; Mummies; non-destructive techniques; Nondestructive testing; Optical microscopy; Pigments; pigments analysis; Radiation; Raman spectroscopy; Sarcophagi; Sensors; Spectrum analysis; Tornadoes; X ray microtomography; X-rays
• ISSN: 2412-382X; 2412-382X
• DOI: 10.3390/qubs8030022

The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical compositions. In this context, our work focused on the multi-analytical characterization of samples derived from fragments of a Roman-era Egyptian mummy named Kherima, dating back to around 200 AD. To identify the layers and elemental composition of the pigments used in the decoration, various techniques were employed: X-ray microfluorescence (µXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray computed microtomography (microCT). This multi-analytical approach facilitated the identification of the original pigments in the analyzed mummy fragments, along with insights into the materials used in the ground layer and the techniques applied in artifact manufacturing, indicating their accordance with the historical period and region to which they originally belonged.