2025 Poster Session

Terracotta statues represent a significant aspect of ancient Egyptian heritage, showcasing the artistic and manufacturing techniques of the era. Among these statues, the deity Bastet holds particular importance due to her cultural and religious significance. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the restoration and assembly of a terracotta statue representing the deity Bastet from the Old Kingdom, through a practical study focusing on restoration techniques and materials used. Condition of the Statue The statue under study is an ancient terracotta artifact that was broken into several pieces. The broken parts were found in a disorganized state, necessitating a precise assembly process to restore the statue to its original form. Following the assembly, restoration operations were carried out to complete the missing parts and reinforce the statue’s structure to ensure its stability .Restoration and Assembly Processes The restoration process involved the following key steps: Cleaning the Parts: Dust and organic materials were removed from the broken pieces using precise tools and advanced cleaning techniques to maintain the quality of the terracotta. Assembly: The broken parts were carefully assembled using specialized adhesive materials suitable for the type of terracotta to preserve the integrity of the piece. Completing Missing Parts: Similar terracotta materials were used to fill in gaps and restore the missing sections to recreate the statue’s original shape. Conducted AnalysesTo ensure the quality of the restoration and examine the condition of the statue post-assembly, several analyses were conducted as follows: Chemical Analysis: Spectral analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of the terracotta and ensure there were no incompatible additives. Results showed a good match with the original materials. Mechanical Analysis: Hardness tests were performed to evaluate the strength of the statue after assembly. Results indicated that the statue retained its hardness and could withstand mechanical pressures. Microbiological Analysis: The statue was analyzed to ensure it was free from harmful microbes. Results were reassuring, with no microbial contamination detected. Thermal Analysis: Thermal expansion tests were conducted to assess the statue’s stability under varying temperature conditions. Results showed good stability, indicating successful restoration. Structural Analysis: The statue was examined under a microscope to study its fine structure and ensure no major structural defects. Microscopic images showed a cohesive structure free from significant flaws. Results and RecommendationsThe analyses demonstrated that the statue had largely regained its original quality following the assembly and restoration process. The materials used in the restoration were compatible with the original materials, contributing to the preservation of the statue’s shape and primary function. However, regular monitoring of the statue is recommended to prevent any future issues.This study exemplifies how to handle broken terracotta artifacts and highlights the importance of integrating modern restoration techniques with scientific analyses to preserve cultural heritage. The conducted analyses provide valuable insights into the quality of the restoration and confirm the success of the process in returning the statue to its previous state, thereby enhancing the preservation of cultural heritage and ensuring the continued value of the historical artifact.