Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling.

Highlights

  • Accumulation of soot layers on the ceilings and walls of ancient Egyptian tombs and temples is a very common phenomenon

  • Gel composites GC2, GC3, GC4, and GC5 showed minor syneresis due to the inclusion of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ammonium carbonate, and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); the syneresis effect was higher in GC3 than that in gel composites GC2, GC4, and GC5

  • Those gel composites were blotted on a tissue paper to remove any excess liquids before they were applied on the surface

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Summary

Introduction

Accumulation of soot layers on the ceilings and walls of ancient Egyptian tombs and temples is a very common phenomenon. In the Roman period, numerous isolated tombs and temples, dating back to the Pharaonic period, were inhabited by Christian hermits. Osiris is one of the most important and popular gods in ancient Egyptian history. Horus managed to triumph over Seth and was crowned king of Egypt. This myth is significant as it ensured Egyptians that they could survive after death. The cult of Osiris was connected to Abydos (situated in Thinite province—upper Egypt) in addition to Busiris (situated in the east—central Delta) [9,10,11,12]

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