Dr. Shaimaa Sayed Mohamed El-Sayed

Abstract

The archaeological and historical gravestones are one of the important sources of dating with their inscriptions and writings, so they must be preserved as an important tangible cultural heritage. This research aims to restore and conserve an archaeological marble gravestone which bears No. 142 and stored in the seven rooms museum store in Al-Fustat- Egypt , this object dates back to the Greek era , samples were taken from the selected gravestone and examined by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was also analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis by the EDAX unit attached to (SEM) Microscope, through the results of the examinations and analysis, it was found that there were some cracks and gaps on the surface of the sample as a result of the deterioration factors in the surrounding environment. The treatment plan included mechanical and chemical cleaning of dust and dirt on the surface of the gravestone, which hide the writings on the surface, as well as consolidation processes using Paraloid B-72 dissolved in acetone at a concentration of 2%, and in the end, the surface was isolated to preserve the writings by Paraloid B-72 at a concentration of 5%, in order to preserve this important cultural heritage.

Keywords

• restoration and conservation
• gravestone
• marble
• greek era