The Limestone Stela of Nakht from Abydos, Egypt, c. 2040-1640 B.C.E.
The limestone stela was discovered still in its original mudbrick chapel dating to the Middle Kingdom. The inscribed surface of the limestone was in poor condition and in danger of being partially lost. The goal of the conservation treatment was to stabilize the stela so that it could first be excavated safely and then treated in the conservation studio to show the detailed inscription.
Images courtesy of the Pennsylvania-Yale-Institute of Fine Arts Expedition to Abydos (PYIFA)
Examining the limestone stela in situ in its mud brick chapel with conservator Deborah Schorsch and archaeologist John Rockhill.
Left image: The stela as found, before treatment. The surface was cracked, encrusted with dirt, and had salt crystals growing just below the inscribed areas. Small limestone fragments had already flaked off the surface.
Right image: The inscribed surface was first consolidated with a conservation grade acrylic resin. A synthetic textile was then adhered in place to ensure that no additional limestone fragments were lost.
Left image: The stela after consolidation with cyclododecane, a sublimating wax-like material that provides a hard temporary coating.
Right image: John Rockhill lifting the padded and packed stela out of the chapel.
Left image: During cleaning and consolidation of the stela in the conservation studio.
Right image: The stela after treatment. The inscription was carved in the name of “Nakht, son of Nemty”.