2025 Poster Session

We have developed a preliminary plan for the restoration and maintenance of a plant fiber candlestick; cataloged with number 144 & code number 1709, as a part of the Qalyubia Governorate's collection. This candlestick have stored at the Folk Heritage Museum, the Higher Institute of Folk Arts at the Giza Academy of Arts. The candlestick exhibited visible signs of damage, Furthermore; we conducted an examination to identify the types of plant fibers utilized in its implementation to understand the manufacturing techniques employed it. This preparatory work was essential for the upcoming restoration and maintenance procedures.

We employed various methods to assess the damage to the candlestick. These methods included photographic documentation and the use of AutoCAD software. Additionally, we utilized a USB Digital Microscope to reveal concealed damage that remained invisible to the naked eye. An interesting discovery was the presence of embedded metal within the candlestick, particularly within certain flower ornaments attached to its arms, which provided the illusion of illumination. Moreover, we identified the plant material used in the archeological candlestick through examination with a Stereo Microscope.   In order to obtain a broader assessment of the condition of the plant material state, we conducted spectra analysis using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). This analysis enabled us to gauge the extent of changes in the functional groups within the chemical composition of the plant material.  After the discovery of the metal, which had caused several issues for the plant fibers, we adjusted the proposed treatment plan accordingly. This involved the careful detachment of the arms attached to the candlestick, previously secured with metal wire. The metal that caused the damage was carefully removed, and then we reattached the arms to the candlestick using plant fibers. These fibers were been consolidated with Klucel E to preserve them from external factors, ensuring the candlestick's preservation for future generations.