2 research outputs found
A non-destructive technical and stylistic comparative analysis of selected metal artefacts from the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History
The destructive nature of conventional analytical techniques, coupled with the finite nature of ancient/historical artefacts, has long restricted technical examinations of museum collections, mainly due to ethical constraints. However, over the past few decades, the application of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques has become increasingly popular within the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage diagnostics. The application of such techniques has facilitated the examination of objects that have long remained uninvestigated. However, this positive development also held a slight drawback, in that researchers tend to now focus on technical analyses alone, while excluding more traditional means of analyses, such as comparative stylistic analysis and surface investigation. By employing a combination of stylistic analysis, visual surface investigation (by means of SLR photography and digital microscopy) and nuclear imaging (by means of Microfocus X-Ray Computed Tomography), the thesis sets out to justify the application of mixed methodologies as part of a more holistic integrated authentication approach. Thus stated, the thesis presents a mixed-methodological approach towards the analysis of selected metal objects from the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria, South Africa. The objects under investigation include a small collection of ancient Egyptian bronze statuettes, a Samurai helmet (kabuto) and mask (menpó), a European gauntlet, and an Arabian dagger (jambiya/khanjar). While all the objects are curated as part of the museum’s archaeology and military history collections, the exact production dates, manufacturing techniques and areas of origin remain a mystery. By using a combination of techniques, the thesis aims to identify diagnostic features that can be used to shed light on their relative age, culturo-chronological framework and, by extension, their authenticity.Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studie
Ancient Egyptian furniture in context: from ancient production, preservation to modern-day reconstruction and conservation
The dissertation investigates the ancient Egyptian furniture industry, from ancient production
and preservation, to modern-day reconstruction and conservation. The main focus of the
dissertation falls on an in-depth investigation of styles and designs that can be viewed as
characteristic/diagnostic of ancient Egyptian furniture. Emphasis falls on the evolution of
functional and decorative elements and the development of individual items. Key design
markers are identified and the developments of certain styles are traced. In-depth
discussions reveal the finer structural and design elements of individual items along a
chronological time frame. These include beds, stools, chairs, footrests, couches, mattresses
and cushions, boxes and chests, tables, bed canopies and screens.
Introductory chapters provide the reader with background information relevant to the
furniture industry, including tree species and timber properties, trade and import, tools,
technologies and production methods, while the final chapter investigates the possible
applications of modern technology for assessment, conservation and reconstructive
purposes.Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern StudiesM.A. (Ancient Near Eastern Studies