RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF A UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CARPET FROM PRINCE MUHAMMADCALI PALACE MUSEUM IN AL-MANIAL, CAIRO (CASE STUDY)

Abstract

Historical carpets represent one of the most artistic treasures, which ought to be saved for the next generations. Therefore, this paper presents scientific strategies to conserve a unique archaeological carpet, which was kept under uncontrolled storage conditions. The carpet is highly decorated and dates back to the modern era, 13th AH/19th AD. It was stored in Prince Muhammad Ali Palace Museum in El-Manial (Cairo) under Nrº.90/112 Record 2. As this carpet suffered from severe damage, an appropriate plan had to be drawn up to restore it properly using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the kinds of dyes, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify mordants. Optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to identify the type of fibers, their condition, and surface morphology. The AutoCAD program was used to document the whole carpet with all its decorations and aspects of damage.The obtained results confirmed that the threads used in the carpet are wool fibers; the fibers suffer from severe dehydration, brittleness, and fragility; also, the fibers have cross-slits and thick deposits on the surface. Moreover, the presence of Madder, Indigo, and weld dyes were found. The mordants used were alum, potassium dichromate, and ferrous sulfate. The deterioration factor was dust alongside the other physical factors. The treatment of the archaeological carpet was performed by removing old erroneous restoration works, moisturizing fibers, attempts to dry cleaning, washing, drying, consolidating by fixing on a new linen fabric supporter which was stretched on a wooden frame (according to the safety requirements), and finally sterilizing by nano-silver.