STUDY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OLD KINGDOM PERIOD POTSHERDS FROM ABUSIR EXCAVATION. A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The current work describes the different methods used to investigate various potsherds. The potsherds were discovered at the Abusir archaeological site, dating back to the Old Kingdom period. This research aims to study the chemical and mineralogical composition of the potsherds and salt crystallization. For this purpose, the analytical study was carried out using different techniques such as a digital and polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersion (SEM/EDX), and X-ray diffraction. Microscopic examination shows that potsherds suffer, from different deterioration aspects, such as salt crystallization, accumulation of dust, and black spots. The results of the polarized microscope proved that sand, grog powder, and calcite were used as additive materials to improve clay's properties. The EDX and XRD methods used in the current work provide an essential chemical view of the structure of the samples. The results of EDX confirmed the presence of a high percentage of chloride salts, iron, and aluminium oxides. XRD results revealed that the firing temperature of the potsherds is high, around 850-950 oC. Therefore, the hardness of these sherds is high. There is little doubt that this will aid in conserving this valuable pottery.