Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (10.1998(1999))

WEST SAQQARA_

EGYPT

tration, from a hard crust on the lower
parts (up to 1 m) to patches of salt crystals
in the upper sections and ceiling, the lat-
ter being easily removed with a brush-
pencil.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The first step was to improve the climatic
conditions inside the funerary chapel. The
existing system of lighting was changed,
the halogen lamps installed in the four cor-
ners of the chamber in the absence of the
mission being replaced with energy-saving
lamps mounted on mobile stands. Six
lamps (OSRAM, 23 W each) were used:
four inside the chapel and two in front of
the facade, corresponding in power to the
traditional 120 W bulb. The light was
magnified with aluminum foil used as
a mirror, providing sufficient light for the
work to be continued. The level of emitted
thermal energy was thus reduced more
than twentyfold. The effect was immedi-
ate: lower temperature and lower humidity
inside the chapel.
In order to ensure a minimum of venti-
lation, two rows of vents (each with
a diameter of 15 cm) were pierced in the
iron door of the chapel.
An oblong exhaust with a ventilating-
fan installed at the end was also construct-
ed outside the chamber. When necessary,
this exhaust was reversed, blowing dry air
from outside into the chapel interior. As
soon as the consolidation of all, even the
smallest parts of the polychromy threaten-
ing to detach, powder or fall away, was fin-
ished, the exhaust was removed and
replaced with several ventilators installed
beside each of the work-stands.
The number of persons allowed inside
the chapel at any given moment was
reduced to five.
All these steps have stabilized the cli-
matic conditions at an acceptable level.

A further, expected effect of this procedure
is a considerable reduction of salt efflores-
cence in view of the diminished dampness
of the rock.
ROCK
Samples of the rock were taken for labora-
tory analyses to determine the exact physi-
cal and chemical properties. A detailed
conservation program will be prepared
based on these results, particularly regard-
ing choice of appropriate preservation
chemicals and methods.
The rifts on the ceiling have been
drawn and photographed. Mud mortar
mixed with sand (1:2) was used to cover
the top surface of the rock above the
chapel. A white cement and sand putty
(1:4) filled the rifts in the ceiling. The
new mortar and the ceiling was protect-
ed against atmospheric changes (such as
daily temperature differences, excessive
insolation), with a 10 cm thick layer of
sand spread on top of the rock. Gypsum
seals placed on cracks inside the cham-
ber will help monitor any rock move-
ment.
PAINTED AND RELIEF DECORATION
The work was pursued simultaneously on
the chapel fagade and interior. The decora-
tion of the facade was secured the moment
the original rubble filling covering it was
removed. Each fragment of the wall was
first cleaned, removing all kinds of sedi-
ments and dust down to the smallest frac-
tion. Parts of the decoration found in the
fill were then reattached to the matrix.
Paraloid B72 in toluene was generally
used. Its concentration varied according to
the case. Reattachment of loose poly-
chromy preserved on mortar followed
a two-step procedure. A 5% solution of
Paraloid was used on the mortar to rein-
force it sufficiently, after which the piece

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