Study of the most effective analysis procedures using multispectral imaging techniques on ancient egyptian painted objects

Abstract

Multispectral imaging (MSI) used as Initial studies to identify and study painted layers as a non-destructive method. The use of MSI to tentatively identify pigments has an important advantage justifying its application the rapid and low-cost survey of large areas.it is possible to tentatively identify some historical pigments and discover the invisible layers, painting and writing. By means of MSI performed with simplified equipment and without the aid of imaging analysis software. The two selected objects from the Grand Egyptian Museum collection were rich in pigments, first object is polychrome anthropoid wooden coffin lid (GEM No. 22452) the date back to 21st Dynasty (c. 1070 - 945 B.c.) Late period, which belong to the collection of Bab el- Gusus tomb and the second is a Cartonnage mummy trappings on linen (GEM No. 8615) date back to27th dynasty, late period. Different imaging techniques of multispectral imaging like ultraviolet methods (UVF, UVR, and UVRFC) and Infrared methods (IRF, IR, IRFC and IRT) will be studied and evaluated regarding to the efficiency and effectively. Mixing between multispectral imaging and Reflectance transformation imaging will be applied and tested by mix and match between these two techniques we can add value for the results we can get. Several methods will be applied practically to have the required results for evaluating these methods. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was used as a complementary analysis for the identification of the pigments.