Video: Restoration of wooden statue of Horemheb in Egypt’s Grand Museum

CAIRO – 23 September 2020: Egypt Today spotted a statue of Horemheb during its restoration in the Wooden Antiquities Laboratory in the restoration centers of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The whole world is highly anticipating the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum as it houses a large number of artifacts, including King Tutankhamun's collection.

Vice President of the Wooden Antiquities Laboratory at the Grand Egyptian Museum

Ahmed Abd Rabbo said the laboratory contains two statues of Horemheb, which illustrate the industrial craftmanship of the ancient Egyptians in the manufacture of wooden statues.

“When a piece is received in the laboratory, we first start the documentation work, using multispectral imaging. There is the normal photograph, and there is an urtlaviolet imaging, through which the parts that witnessed previous restorations are identified. This is in addition to the infrared imaging, which works to expose parts that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Also, there is the X-ray imaging which helps us determine the technique the ancient Egyptians used to create the piece,” explained Abd Rabbo.

“At this stage, the use of advanced scientific devices comes into play. Through it, we can know the components of the piece without taking any samples. Through spectroscopy, we can know the existing layers of preparation, decoration and coloring. Through analysis, we can identify restoration materials, previously used on the piece,” resumed Abd Rabbo.

He pointed out that after that, it is decided whether the restoration is done using the traditionally used materials or modern materials. These studies are time-consuming, because examinations and analysis are repeated to see the extent of how the used substance will affect the original artefact.

“We then begin to install the veneers and cement, and prepare the artifact for the museum display,” concluded Abd Rabbo.