Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

DEIR EL-BAHARI

EGYPT

reinserted into the wall previously without
appropriate conservation treatment and are
now slowly starting to disintegrate.
Preventing exfoliation of very thin superfi-
cial layers of stone, especially in the upper
courses of the wall, was a top conservation
priority. All loose fragments were protect-
ed with Japanese tissue-paper to avoid fur-
ther detachment. Sand was cleaned from
the empty blisters and cracks using pure
alcohol. A mineral filler was then applied
to re-attach the endangered parts to the

stone substratum. The surface was washed
with water and non-ionic detergent to
make the decoration clear. Weathered and
cracking modern plaster was removed and
replaced with an artificial shelter coat
(Returners' Funcosil LA Siliconfarbe)
(Fig. 2).
Some minor reconstruction of the out-
lines of the missing representations of king
Tuthmosis III and of sacred bark of Amun
was attempted in modern plaster to make
the decoration clearer for visitors (Fig. 3).


Fig. 3- Tuthmosis III with incense in front of the sacred bark. Representation of royal statues, dancers
and priests during the Beautiful Feast of the Valley. Northern wall of the Upper Court after
final conservation (Photo W. Jerke)

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