2025 Poster Session

The second cache, discovered in 1891 in the Bab el-Gasus cache of Deir el-Bahri in the Theban necropolis, is one of the most significant archaeological finds related to the 21st Dynasty (1070–945 BCE) during the Third Intermediate Period of ancient Egypt. This cache contained the burials of 153 priests and priestesses.Coffin sets belonging to members of the Theban priesthood of Amun which distributed for 17 nation. The Bab el-Gasus cache remains one of the largest and most important burial collections from the Third Intermediate Period as it offers a rare glimpse into the burial practices of high-ranking religious officials. One particular yellow coffin lid from the Bab el-Gasus cache, belonging to a 21st Dynasty priest or priestess, was moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in 2016.




A polychrome coffin lid features modeled figures in dark green. One of these figures, a scarab, shows an intriguing detail: half of the scarab is glossy, while the other half reveals fingerprints in green. This observation suggests that not all of the green pigment is original. The scarab became the key to initiating an integrated approach and a collaborative study aimed at distinguishing between original and retouched sections on the coffin's surface. By examining the surface using imaging techniques, various shades of green were detected.

A deeper analysis using non-destructive techniques, including Multispectral Imaging (MSI), Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), was conducted to map the painted layer. MSI revealed that two different pigments were used. The presence of dark and light green in the figures was further examined through Ultraviolet Fluorescence (UVF). Visible Induced Luminescence (VIL) identified three different sources for the two shades of green: Egyptian blue for the dark green elements, retouched wax for the dark green areas, and malachite as the main pigment for the light green shades. UVF highlighted the use of restorative wax, while portable XRF differentiated between the components of the dark and light green shades. RTI filters revealed variations in the grain size and brush strokes, helping distinguish between the application techniques and the nature of the green pigments.




The combination of data from Multispectral Imaging and Reflectance Transformation Imaging, along with the complementary analysis from X-ray Fluorescence, provided clear evidence of the original pigments, namely Egyptian blue and malachite, used for the green color. It also indicated the extent of the conservation work applied to the coffin lid. This research clearly demonstrates the importance of advancements in imaging techniques, analytical methods, and specialized archaeological knowledge, underscoring the value of collaboration in achieving a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.