Mineral composition of pigments and plasters from the Hatshepsut Temple in Deir el Bahari, Upper Egypt

Abstract

Pigments and paints used for decoration of Egyptian temples and tombs were the objects of in terests of numerous scientists (Gazda 1997, 1998, 200 a, b, 2001, Barwik 1998, 200 2001, Pawlicki 2000, Szafrański 2001). This work consists of two parts: first is devoted to mineralogy of colorful minerals occurring in the shale of Esna in the region of Deir el Bahari. The second presents the results of examinations of mineral paints covering sculptures and decoration parts in the Chapel of the Queen Hatshepsut. Sampled were only completely destructed elements). An explanation of its history was kindly provided by dr Mirosław Barwik from the Institute of Archaeology of the Warsaw University. The authors would like to express their gratitude to him.