How conservators stabilize the fragile base of an ancient Egyptian mummy coffin
In short: Conservator Verena Kotonski demonstrates the technical process of restoring the base of the Sherborne cartonnage. This video highlights the complex, often unpredictable nature of museum conservation work and the insights it provides into ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
The conservation of the Sherborne cartonnage is a long-term project that frequently presents unexpected challenges. Conservators employ a variety of specialized techniques to stabilize the artifact, including building structural bridges and creating sandwich-like layers to support the material. To address previous, unwanted historic repairs, the team utilizes rigid gels, a precise method for cleaning and restoration.
Beyond the physical labor, the project serves as a window into ancient Egyptian life and death. While the total number of episodes in this series remains uncertain due to the evolving nature of the work, the ongoing process continues to reveal new information about the object's history.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: It's all about that base | Conserving the Sherborne Cartonnage Ep 3
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