Diagnosis of the Deterioration and Conservation of Bes Pottery Jar From the Tomb of Petah Umm Uya in Saqqara

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the chemical characterization and conservation of the Bes pottery jar. Pottery jars were important in Egypt from prehistoric times until the end of late history; they had their ideological symbolism and important role in daily life. "Bes" jar is a kind of healing jar, which was known and spread during the end of the New Kingdom and Late Period of ancient Egypt. AutoCAD, digital microscope, and polarized microscope (PLM) were used to clarify the deterioration state of the pottery jar. The XRD method was used to investigate the mineralogical composition of the pottery jar. Besides, the pottery's internal morphology and chemical composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The examination revealed that the selected pottery jar exhibited numerous cracks, dust accumulation, salt crystallization, and black spots. PLM showed the presence of several minerals, such as calcite, quartz, biotite, and plagioclase. SEM-EDX analysis revealed high calcium oxide concentrations due to the use of calcium carbonate in the slip layer, besides chloride salts. XRD analysis indicated that quartz was the predominant mineral in all the samples. Additionally, calcite, diopside, anorthite, halite, and dolomite were also detected in varying proportions. The pottery jar underwent various treatments, including mechanical and chemical cleaning. In addition, dental gypsum and grog were used in the completion process. Furthermore, the paraloid B-72 was used to achieve the consolidation process.