Cartonnage conservation

The following series of images shows the process involved in conserving the Duaneteref coffins. The conservation came about because the coffins are being featured in an exhibition touring the United States. The organisers funded the work in order to make them safe for display.

The coffin in its original display

The Egyptian collection on display in the Chadwick Museum, probably before World War I.

The coffin and cartonnage of Duaneteref are just visible in the middle right standing against the wall behind the display case.

A bead net hides the face of the cartonnage, which was already damaged by this time.

The cartonnage inside the outer coffin, 1970s

The cartonnage is now lying flat, but has sustained extensive damage.

The cartonnage at the conservators’studio

Duaneteref’s mummy was reburied in Egypt by Petrie, and the cartonnage was filled with wood shavings, burlap and an iron rod in an attempt to keep its shape.

Crushed foot of the cartonnage

The crushed foot area of the cartonnage before conservation. This was caused by its being stored in an upright position for many years.

The head before conservation

The wig has lost most of its blue paint and has been folded up out of shape. The wooden face has sunken out of line.

Back of the head

During conservation, showing how material has been folded out of line. The mummy of Duaneteref would have been inserted into the cartonnage through the red-bordered slit below the head, which was then sewn up.

Re-shaping the back of the cartonnage

The material is softened with solvents and then reshaped under carefully controlled pressure.

Re-shaping of the head underway

Reconstruction

The conservator places layers of linen and mud in their original position, restoring the head’s original shape

Positioning the face

Getting the face in the correct position

The head fully conserved

All material is now in its original position.

Custom built mount

The cartonnage will now live on a special mount made to keep it properly supported.

Crated and ready to go

The cartonnage is crated up and starts its long journey to America

The cartonnage finally on display in Santa Fe!