Damage quantification of archaeological pottery in Sheikh Hamad “Athribis” Sohag-Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Many archaeological potteries in Sheikh Hamad (Athribis) Sohag, Egypt suffer from different processes, which led to many deterioration forms. Samples collected from Athribis were submitted to qualitative and quantitative measurements through using different techniques to evaluate their durability states. Significant information derived from these techniques prove that our materials are composed of Si, Al, Fe, Mg, K, Ca, Na and Cl as the main elements of Quartz Albite, Microcline, Calcite and Hemetite (main components of Nile clays) and Halite (main salt characterizes Egyptian land). In addition, SEM reveals that the samples are characterizes by cohesion of the granules, non homogeneous texture and different size pores in addition to degradation, dissolution features and cracks. Finally, it can be concluded that most of these artifacts are affected by two main aggressive mechanisms: their burial environment (before excavation) and aired environment (after excavation). These process that finally led to some aggressive deterioration forms.