DOI issue:
Egypt
DOI article:Godziejewski, Zbigniew: Saqqara 2005: conservation work
DOI Page / Citation link: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.42091#0194
SAQQARA
EGYPT
SAQQARA 2005: CONSERVATION WORK
Zbigniew Godziejewski
THE FUNERARY CHAPELS
The funerary chapels of Merefnebef,
Nyankhnefertem and Chapel 16 were re-
opened in order to survey the general
conservation state of wall decoration and
bedrock. Thick and wide salt concentrations
were observed on the walls of Chapel 15
(Nyankhnefertem). Their form varies, both
inside the chapel and on the facade: either
easily removable stiff crust, tiny grains or
down. Multiple concentrations of efflores-
cence typical of gypsum crystallization were
noted on the northern part of the east wall.
This differentiation is due to stratification
and physico-chemical particularities of the
rock.
A similar situation, though on a much
smaller scale, was found in the chapel of
Merefnebef. Salt concentrations were less
numerous and of reduced size. They
appeared both inside the chapel and on the
facade, particularly in their southern parts.
Long and intensive rains during the past
winter could be responsible for this.
Precautions were undertaken to avoid
similar danger in case of future rains. The
roof of the shelter above the facades of
Chapels 15 and 16 was extended eastward,
the general aim being to protect all of
Chapel 15.
Data from the thermohygrometer for the
period between November 2004 and
August 2005 demonstrated a constant high
degree of humidity inside the chapel during
the time in question (from 69% RH in
November to 72% RH in July/August).
A significant drop in relative humidity level
was observed in the months of February-
March (minimum of 62% RH). The
greatest daily variations (between 62 and
67% RH) occurred during this period;
during the rest of the time they were
minimal.
Observations concerning the temper-
atures during the time in question were
similar. It varied from 26°C in November
to 18°C (minimum) in February/March.
These two months also witnessed the
greatest fluctuation of daily temperatures.
Later on the temperature increased slowly
but steadily up to 28°C at the turn of
August/beginning of September (minimal
daily fluctuations). Increased temperature
inside the chapel caused intensified
migration of the humidity gathered in the
rock, which implies migration of salts
contained in it towards the inside of the
chapel, as well as their crystallization on the
rock surface.
Salt concentrations observed in Chapel
15 occurred, with a few exceptions, on un-
decorated surface. Those on polychromed
surfaces appeared usually in the form of
down which is easily removed with a brush.
Multiple hard crusted fragments, which
cause the rock surface to peel, can be seen on
the lower part of walls, up to 1 m above the
floor. They tend to make relief outlines less
clear. Few insignificant detachments of
polychromy (bubbles) were observed.
Salt crystals found on the ceiling surface
have caused fragments of the polychromy
and tiny layers of the rock to crumble. This
190
EGYPT
SAQQARA 2005: CONSERVATION WORK
Zbigniew Godziejewski
THE FUNERARY CHAPELS
The funerary chapels of Merefnebef,
Nyankhnefertem and Chapel 16 were re-
opened in order to survey the general
conservation state of wall decoration and
bedrock. Thick and wide salt concentrations
were observed on the walls of Chapel 15
(Nyankhnefertem). Their form varies, both
inside the chapel and on the facade: either
easily removable stiff crust, tiny grains or
down. Multiple concentrations of efflores-
cence typical of gypsum crystallization were
noted on the northern part of the east wall.
This differentiation is due to stratification
and physico-chemical particularities of the
rock.
A similar situation, though on a much
smaller scale, was found in the chapel of
Merefnebef. Salt concentrations were less
numerous and of reduced size. They
appeared both inside the chapel and on the
facade, particularly in their southern parts.
Long and intensive rains during the past
winter could be responsible for this.
Precautions were undertaken to avoid
similar danger in case of future rains. The
roof of the shelter above the facades of
Chapels 15 and 16 was extended eastward,
the general aim being to protect all of
Chapel 15.
Data from the thermohygrometer for the
period between November 2004 and
August 2005 demonstrated a constant high
degree of humidity inside the chapel during
the time in question (from 69% RH in
November to 72% RH in July/August).
A significant drop in relative humidity level
was observed in the months of February-
March (minimum of 62% RH). The
greatest daily variations (between 62 and
67% RH) occurred during this period;
during the rest of the time they were
minimal.
Observations concerning the temper-
atures during the time in question were
similar. It varied from 26°C in November
to 18°C (minimum) in February/March.
These two months also witnessed the
greatest fluctuation of daily temperatures.
Later on the temperature increased slowly
but steadily up to 28°C at the turn of
August/beginning of September (minimal
daily fluctuations). Increased temperature
inside the chapel caused intensified
migration of the humidity gathered in the
rock, which implies migration of salts
contained in it towards the inside of the
chapel, as well as their crystallization on the
rock surface.
Salt concentrations observed in Chapel
15 occurred, with a few exceptions, on un-
decorated surface. Those on polychromed
surfaces appeared usually in the form of
down which is easily removed with a brush.
Multiple hard crusted fragments, which
cause the rock surface to peel, can be seen on
the lower part of walls, up to 1 m above the
floor. They tend to make relief outlines less
clear. Few insignificant detachments of
polychromy (bubbles) were observed.
Salt crystals found on the ceiling surface
have caused fragments of the polychromy
and tiny layers of the rock to crumble. This
190