INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS OF TWO COPTIC TEXTILE FRAGMENTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM IN EGYPT

Abstract

The present study addressed important investigation and analytical techniques used in assaying the deterioration phenomena and identifying the components of two degraded Coptic textile fragments preserved in the Agricultural Museum in Egypt. The first fragment dates to the 2nd-3rd century AD, the second one dates to the 5th-6th century AD. The study used stereo microscope (SM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy unit (SEM-EDXS), high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS), and Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy by attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) to examine the objects. The results revealed that the objects were made from natural wool, dyed with natural dyes, namely indigo, madder, and weld, and ornamented with small blank linen threads. The weaving structure is the tapestry technique with a little embroidery lace in the first fragment. The analytical results revealed that the fragments suffered from extensive deterioration, due to dust, soiling matters, stains, holes, missing parts, old adhesive, brittleness, and high acidity.