MULTIBAND IMAGING TECHNIQUES INCORPORATED INTO THE STUDY OF DYED ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TEXTILE FRAGMENTS

The main aim of this research is presenting the application of the Multiband Imaging (MBI) techniques applied to the investigation of three ancient Egyptian dyed textile fragments from different chronological periods, stored in the collection of the Cairo Egyptian Museum. The documentation of these fragments can be a support for the textile conservator thanks to its easy detection of variances compared with analytical spectra. Moreover, presenting how these portable, non-invasive and inexpensive techniques can be used to provide heritage documentation, enhancing the features of the textile, providing qualitative information on the composition of different dyes used and a first recognition of the state of conservation. Preliminary visual investigation and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) microscopy examinations were applied to better understand weaving techniques, fibre classification and dyeing methods, followed by the non-invasive multiband imaging techniques. The MBI techniques carried out on textiles are visible reflected (VIS), ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence (UVL), ultraviolet reflected (UVR), ultraviolet reflected false colour (UVRFC), visible induced luminescence (VIL), near-infrared reflected (NIR) and infrared reflected false colour (IRRFC) photography, which gives evidence of the colourants and materials used and their spatial distribution. At this phase, some dyes can already be determined such as madder and indigo/woad.

Automated summary

This research highlights the application of Multiband Imaging techniques in studying ancient Egyptian dyed textiles, providing support for textile conservators and valuable information on the composition of dyes, weaving techniques, and conservation status. The results of MBI techniques, including various photography methods, offer insights into colorants, materials, and their spatial distribution on the textiles, helping identify dyes such as madder and indigo/woad.