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Raman spectroscopy is a versatile technique that has frequently been applied for the investigation of art objects. By using mobile Raman instrumentation it is possible to investigate the artworks without the need for sampling. This work evaluates the use of a dedicated mobile spectrometer for the investigation of a range of museum objects in museums in Scotland, including antique Egyptian sarcophagi, a panel painting, painted surfaces on paper and textile, and the painted lid and soundboard of an early keyboard instrument. The investigations of these artefacts illustrate some analytical challenges that arise when analysing museum objects, including fluorescing varnish layers, ambient sunlight, large dimensions of artefacts and the need to handle fragile objects with care. Analysis of the musical instrument (the Mar virginals) was undertaken in the exhibition gallery, while on display, which meant that interaction with the public and health and safety issues had to be taken into account.

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his paper presents a technological study of items of Egyptian jewellery from the collections of the National Museums Scotland: a pendant from the 19 th century BC; objects from the 16 th century BC royal burial unearthed at Qurneh; two gold inger-rings dated to the 14 th century BC; and a group of pendants from the 13 th century BC. he objects were examined using optical microscopy, X-radiography and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, the elementary compositions of alloys and solder joints were investigated using air-path X-ray luorescence (XRF), proton-induced X-ray analysis (micro-PIXE), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS). his preliminary study provides information about the evolution of alloy composition and the use of alluvial gold, and illustrates the Ancient Egyptian goldsmiths' skills in working with wires, granulation and joining techniques. Résumé : Cet article présente l'étude technologique de pièces égyptiennes d'orfèvrerie faisant partie de la collection des musées nationaux d'Écosse : un pendentif daté du XIX e siècle av. J.-C., des pièces d'orfèvrerie provenant de la tombe royale de Qurneh datées du XVI e siècle av. J.-C., deux bagues datées du XIV e siècle av. J.-C. ainsi qu'un groupe de pendentifs datés du XIII e siècle av J.-C. Les objets ont été observés sous microscopie optique, par radiographie de rayons-X et par microscopie électronique à balayage en mode électron secondaire (MEB-SE). En parallèle, la composition des alliages et des soudures a été déterminée par luorescence des rayons-X (FX), par analyse par faisceaux d'ions (micro-PIXE) et par énergie dispersive de rayons-X (MEB-EDS). Cette étude préliminaire donne des informations sur l'évolution des alliages ainsi que sur l'utilisation d'or alluvionnaire, et illustre les techniques utilisées par les orfèvres de l'Egypte Ancienne, en particulier l'utilisation du iligrane, de la granulation et des techniques de soudure.

In 1908, the archaeologist Flinders Petrie discovered a rich intact burial of an adult and child at Qurneh, near Luxor. Stylistically, the burial has been dated to the late 17 th Dynasty, in the 16 th century BC. he complete burial group came to Edinburgh in 1909. A recent examination of the rings of the necklace found with the adult burial is presented as part of a wider study of the mummy collections of the National Museums Scotland (NMS). he necklace shows sophisticated workmanship, with 1,699 rings threaded onto four strands, the rings having uniform diameter and thickness, and very few of them showing any visible joints. he necklace rings have been examined by Optical Microscopy, X-radiography, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), air-path X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and proton induced X-ray analysis (micro-PIXE). We summarise these indings and propose the method of manufacture. We also describe an experimental attempt to make joint-less rings in order to compare them with the originals.