2025 Poster Session

This joint talk will present findings from a collection of 28 fragmentary funerary shrouds and two cartonnage pieces from Thebes, Egypt. These artifacts, known as the Soter shrouds, date to the 2nd century A.D. and represent a significant example of Roman Egyptian funerary practices. This study employed modified smartphone multispectral imaging techniques to explore the pigment compositions and artistic techniques utilized in these textiles, revealing previously unseen details and offering a deeper understanding of their production and cultural context.

Multispectral Imaging (MSI) is a powerful analytical tool used in cultural heritage conservation, although traditional setups are often prohibitively expensive and inaccessible to smaller institutions and conservators. To address this issue, Sean Billups developed a modified smartphone MSI system, which provides a cost-effective, portable alternative. This cutting-edge technology retains the capabilities of traditional MSI techniques while making advanced imaging more accessible.

At the heart of this research lies a collaboration between two MSc students at Cardiff University: Rachel Coderre and Sean Billups. Due to the lack of traditional MSI equipment available to them, Billups' unique modified smartphone system was adapted and expanded upon, enabling Coderre to apply these techniques to the Soter shrouds. This collaborative approach bridged expertise in imaging technology and conservation research while pushing the boundaries of MSI imaging.

The imaging results provided new information regarding the materials and manufacture of the Soter shrouds. The presence of organic pigments like madder lake was confirmed, and the distribution of Egyptian blue, a pigment known for its distinctive luminescence, was mapped. Partial luminescence revealed evidence suggesting potential over painting and pigment mixing, a technique previously identified in Roman Egyptian art. These findings point to the scope of pigment mixtures and suggest a diagnostic framework that could link Soter-related artifacts across museum collections worldwide. 

The range of imaging methods revealed subtle similarities in patterning and pigment application across various shroud fragments, suggesting a potential connection in production methods and the possible involvement of multiple workshops. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the artistic practices and potential trade networks associated with Roman Egyptian funerary textiles.

Our project highlights the potential for innovative and accessible technologies to drive advancements in cultural heritage research. By expanding the use of MSI into under-explored areas, we aim to make previously inaccessible analytical tools more widely available. This breakthrough presents an attractive option for institutions and private practices seeking to maximize impact with limited resources. Beyond advancing our understanding of Roman Egyptian funerary textiles, this work paves the way for future research, utilizing affordable, innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional research methods.