# Structural and Chemical Degradation of Archeological Wood: Synchrotron XRD and FTIR Analysis of a 26th Dynasty Egyptian Polychrome Wood Statuette

## TL;DR

This study uses advanced imaging techniques to analyze a 2,600-year-old Egyptian wooden statue to understand its materials and preservation needs.

## Contribution

The study introduces a minimally invasive framework using synchrotron XRD and FTIR for analyzing ancient wooden artifacts.

## Key findings

- The wood shows moderate preservation with a cellulose crystallinity index of 62.9% and partial chemical deterioration.
- Pigments like Egyptian Blue, atacamite, and calcite were identified, revealing sophisticated color mixing techniques.
- Chloride-mediated transformations and severe lignin oxidation indicate urgent conservation requirements.

## Abstract

This study investigates a 26th Dynasty Ptah–Sokar–Osiris wooden statuette excavated from the Tari cemetery, Giza Pyramids area, to decode ancient Egyptian manufacturing techniques and establish evidence-based conservation strategies of such wooden objects. Using minimal sampling (1.0–2.0 mm2), integrated XRF, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and confocal microscopy distinguished original technological choices from burial-induced alterations. The 85 cm Vachellia nilotica sculpture exhibits moderate structural preservation (cellulose crystallinity index 62.9%) with partial chemical deterioration (carbonyl index 2.22). Complete pigment characterization identified carbon black, Egyptian Blue (cuprorivaite, 55 ± 5 wt %), atacamite-dominated green (65 ± 5 wt %) with residual malachite (10 ± 2 wt %), orpiment (60 ± 5 wt %), red ochre (hematite, 60% ± 5 wt %), white pigments (93 ± 5 wt % calcite), and metallic gold (40 ± 5 wt %). Confocal microscopy revealed sophisticated multi-pigment mixing strategies, with black carbon systematically blended with chromophores for nuanced color effects. Atacamite predominance over malachite provides evidence for chloride-mediated diagenetic transformation over 2600 years of burial. Consistent calcite detection (~ 20–45%) across colored layers confirms systematic ground layer application, establishing technological baseline data for 26th Dynasty Lower Egyptian workshops. Near-complete organic binder loss, severe lignin oxidation, and ongoing salt-mediated mineral transformations indicate urgent conservation needs requiring specialized consolidants, paint layer stabilization, and controlled environmental storage. This investigation demonstrates synchrotron methods’ advantages while establishing a minimally invasive framework for studying polychrome wooden artifacts.