2025 Poster Session

This paper explores the conservation and exhibition of a block statue of Imn-im-mhat, dating back to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The statue, discovered in Luxor, Upper Egypt, had previously undergone restoration at the Egyptian Museum using materials such as gypsum and iron bars, which unfortunately led to significant damage. The rusting of the iron bars, in particular, severely compromised the statue’s material integrity, and the irregular base presented further challenges for stable display.

The conservation process at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was undertaken through a critical partnership between conservators and a mount maker. The project began with the careful separation of the statue’s parts to remove the damaging gypsum and rusted iron

bars. The reassembly of the statue was achieved using reversible adhesives and reinforced with polyester bars to ensure durability. Appropriate mortar was employed to strengthen and restore the weak and missing sections.

The irregular base of the statue posed a significant challenge, necessitating close cooperation with the mount maker to design and implement a custom mount that would secure the statue’s stability for exhibition. This partnership was crucial in addressing the structural and aesthetic implications of the statue’s presentation within the museum.

The successful conservation and stabilization of the statue exemplify the vital role that interdisciplinary cooperation plays in the preservation of cultural heritage. By combining specialized skills and knowledge, the GEM team was able to preserve and present the statue of Imn-im-mhat as a prominent exhibit, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance is accessible to the public