Corrosion Characteristics and Conservation of Ancient Egyptian Bronze Osiris Statuette From Al-Arish Museum

Abstract

A bronze statuette in the form of Osiris is dating back to the late period. It was manufactured by casting method. The statuette in the Osiris position shows the wand, the sceptre and the royal crown and has a cobra snake. The hooked chin and facial details reveal a calm smile. On the outside, the statuette suffered from deterioration phenomena, for example different layers of soil mixed with sand and corrosion products on the statuette's surface. Bronze disease appears in separate areas of the statuette. Various examinations and analyses were performed on the samples that represent the places of damage on the statuette. The layers on the statuette surface were studied using stereo microscope examination, polarizing microscope and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Examinations show that the surface layers consist of clay minerals, sand and corrosion products in various colors. The mineral composition of the samples was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of cuprite, atacamite as Corrosion products, in addition to quartz. Calcifications have been removed using appropriate tools such brushes and blunt scalpels. Treatment processes of the bronze statuette include mechanical and chemical cleaning in addition to apply benzotriazole inhibitor by 3%. A protective layer of paraloid B 82 by 3% was applied. Finally, the bronze statuette was displayed in Al-Arish museum.