Mona F. Ali

Characterization of Streptomyces isolates causing colour changes of mural paintings in ancient Egyptian tombs

Paintings in ancient Egyptian tombs often suffer colour changes due to microbial growth and colonization. Streptomyces strains were isolated from mural paintings of Tell Basta and Tanis tombs (East of Nile Delta, Egypt) and were identified using biochemical and molecular methods. The16S rDNA sequences data indicated that isolated strains were closely related to S. coelicolor, S. albidofuscus, S. ambofaciens, S. canarius, S. parvullus, S. corchorusii, S. albidofuscus and S. nigrifaciens. It could be shown that Streptomyces strains are involved on a large scale in the colour changes of paintings and stone support by producing a wide range of metabolites such as acids (oxalic, citric and sulphuric acids), biopigments of melanin, carotenoids, and hydrogen sulphide.

Chemical and physical characterization of the stucco mihrab of the mausoleum of Muhammad Al-Hasawati, Fatimid period, Cairo, Egypt

Stucco mihrabs in Islamic buildings in Egypt are suffering from many causes of deterioration, mainly groundwater and salt weathering, which have caused the complete loss of the decorations of some of these mihrabs. Some other mihrabs need restoration and conservation, so a solution for this problem has become urgent. A physiochemical study using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy was done. This characterization study, on one hand made reproduction of the original material possible; on the other hand, the deterioration factors of the stucco were determined. All analytical methods indicated that the Al-Hasawaty stucco mihrab contains lime, gypsum, dolomite, quartz, anhydrite and bassanite; they also proved that sodium chloride (halite) is the principal salt causing deterioration.

Color Alteration of Ancient Egyptian Blue Faience

Four different colored faience tiles were found in South Tomb of King Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt. The tiles suffer from various deterioration aspects, mainly color alteration, which occurred as a result of the reaction between present salts and the free copper ions of blue faience and changing it into greenish blue, dark green, and light green. The aim of this work is to study the color change phenomenon of ancient Egyptian blue faience, used in the construction and decoration of the walls in the south tomb of King Djoser–Saqqara by means of light optical microscope (LOM), x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersion X-ray (SEM EDX) analysis . The obtained results revealed that the pigment material cuprorivaite (CaCuSi4O10) was used in glazing the tiles and imparted the blue color. Other blue pigment materials were used in conjunction with Egyptian blue such as turquoise [CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8.4H2O]. The results indicate that the first trials for producing Egyptian blue were not in the 4th dynasty as it has been declared by previous authors.

Identifying pigments in the temple of Seti I in Abydos (Egypt)

The temple of Seti I in Abydos, a sacred city noted as the most venerated place in Egypt, was built by the 19th dynasty (ca.1294-1279 BCE). The temple is famous for its remarkably unique design; it is in the shape of an “L” and its wall paintings are decorated with the most complete series of Kings and Gods in Egypt, which virtually helped to decode Egyptian history. Our first results concern to samples from these wall paintings which are examined by SEM-EDS and FTIR microscopy in order to identify the used pigments. The dimensions of the samples were about 3×6mm, with blue, green, yellow and red colors on the surfaces.

A Preliminary Diagnostic Study of the Chromatic Alterations of the Wall Paintings of the Festival Hall of Thutmosis III, Karnak Temples Complex, Upper Egypt

The festival hall of Thutmosis III (c.1504–1450 BC) is one of the minor temples found in the complex of Karnak temples at Luxor (about 670 km south of Cairo). The chromatic alterations of the wall paintings at the festival hall were evaluated through the analysis of weathered pigment samples and several damaged layers covering the painted surfaces. The analytical techniques utilised in this study were optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (μ-Raman and FT–IR). The obtained results showed that the chromatic alterations of the studied wall paintings are resulting mainly from the impact of the environmental conditions of the region, the penetration of the groundwater beneath the walls of the temple and the degradation of the materials used in old restorations of the temple. This research confirms the importance of a plan for environmental improvements to be drawn up.

PIXE Analysis of Ancient Egyptian Pigments (Case Study)

Particle Proton–Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) is one of the most sensitive analytical methods which can be used in the study of ancient mural paintings - especially pigments. It requires small samples or tiny fragments of the paint layer. It is a non-destructive technique and provides data on elemental concentrations. Analysis can be performed in vacuum or in air. The major advantage of this technique is the ability to analyze simultaneously both elements and trace elements present in the sample. Another advantage is the short data acquisition time. This research studies red, yellow, blue and green pigments used in the tomb of Ramesses III (N.11 - 1198 BC), the tomb of Tohthmous III- (N.34 - 1504 BC), both located at the Valley of the Kings Luxor, and also, Medinet Habu temple of Ramesses II (1198 -1166 BC) located at the West Bank of Luxor. The study was performed by using light Optical Microscope (LOM) and Particle Proton–Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE).

The Conservation of an Egyptian Coptic Fresco Painting from Saint Jeremiah Monastery: The Use of Nano-Materials in Cleaning and Consolidation

In the present article we report a study on using microemulsion contains triton 100 to clean the surface of the wall paintings in saint Jeremiah monastery in Saqqara (4th century) , Being these systems mainly composed of water (more than 80% by weight), it is using in a poultice or when the microemulsion added to the nano gel to improve its performance , Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR),and The consolidation by nano lime dispersed in ethanol is used by brushing through Japanese paper and injecting the cracks.

The Presence Of Cement Mortars In The Added Chambers Of El Sakakeny Palace: A Case Study

A comprehensive investigation has been undertaken on the used mortar in construction of El Sakakeny palace dating to the 19th century designed by Antonio La Schiac. The analytical instruments used for this investigation were X- ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with EDX. The analysis shows that the mortar used in the fire place chamber was cement on other hand the mortar in the love chamber was calcium hydroxide mixed with silica as popular mortars were used before starting to use cement mortars in Egypt.