Documentation, investigation and analysis of a rare archaeological cartonnage object from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, using non-invasive methods

Technical and analytical investigations were carried out on an overhead mask of woman cartonnage from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (catalogue 33279), which dated back to Greco-Roman Period. Various non-invasive techniques used this study such as: AutoCAD program, multispectral imaging with Ultraviolet Infrared Rays, optical microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure was unique consisted three distinctive layers, bottom top; a double layer linen, calcite-based plaster layer, finally polychrome paint layer. revealed presence blue, red, white, yellow, orange, brown black pigments. Yellow color identified as orpiment (As2S3) yellow ochre (goethite α-FeO.OH + clay minerals) blue (CaCuSi4O10). Two red shades also detected lighter is lead (Pb3O4) darker mixture hematite (α-Fe2O3), (Pb₃O₄) calcite (CaCO3). Orange (Pb3O4), white (PbCO3)2•Pb(OH)2,and magnetite (Fe3O4). pigment, made up hematite, lead, manganese, for first time pigment palette ancient cartonnage. binding medium linen Arabic gum. showed that Graeco-Roman Period because appearance orpiment, blue. Moreover, components considered evidence ovens contain resulting changing manufacturing