Archaeometric Analysis of Pigments from the Tomb of Nakht-Djehuty (TT189), El-Qurna Necropolis, Upper Egypt

Scientific analysis of pigments from the Tomb of Nakht-Djehuty (TT189) in El-Qurna Necropolis, dating to the Ramesside period (c. 1279-1212 BC), reveals a distinct chromatic palette used by ancient Egyptian artists. The study identified Egyptian blue (Cuprorivaite) as the blue pigment, Egyptian green for green, red ochre for red, yellow ochre for yellow, and a mixture of gypsum and calcite for white. Employing advanced techniques such as optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and visible reflectance spectroscopy, researchers characterized the stratigraphic structure and chemical composition of wall paintings in the tomb. These findings provide valuable insights into the artistic practices and material culture of Ancient Egypt during this period.

Mahmoud, H. M., & Papadopoulou, L. (2013). Archaeometric Analysis of Pigments from the Tomb of Nakht-Djehuty (TT189), El-Qurna Necropolis, Upper Egypt. ArchéoSciences, 37, 19–33. https://doi.org/10.4000/archeosciences.3967