Redefining Egyptian “pastes”: material characterisation and technological developments in Third Intermediate Period coffin sets from Thebes

Ancient Egyptian coffins have been the subject of numerous scientific studies, primarily focusing on wood analysis and the polychrome decoration of their surfaces. However, the construction materials of coffins, often collectively referred to as “pastes,” have received relatively little scholarly attention. These materials may encompass plasters but also gypsum or crushed limestone bound with organic media, sometimes incorporating clay minerals and plant fibers. Pastes served multiple functions, including the creation of complete objects, gap-filling, acting as a substrate for decoration, and forming a crucial component of cartonnage—a free-standing composite material made from layers of linen, glue, and paste. Their microstructure and composition provide valuable insights into manufacturing techniques, raw material procurement, and broader technological traditions and craft organization. However, researchers face significant challenges in studying these materials due to the need for minimally invasive sampling and the complexity of their organic and inorganic mixtures. Building on the pioneering research conducted by the Fitzwilliam Museum team, this thesis aimed to develop a standardised analytical protocol to harness the full informative potential of pastes, and to begin to demonstrate this through case studies. The focus is placed on wooden coffin sets from the Third Intermediate Period, with special attention to the ‘yellow coffin’ set of Nespawershefyt (E.1.1822), dated to approximately 1070–1000 BCE, and the inner and intermediate coffins of Pakepu (E.2.1869), dated to approximately 680–664 BCE – in addition to samples of others used for comparative purposes. Each coffin exhibits distinct construction methods, incorporating different types of pastes (mud, pink, and white), each mixed with varying organic binders. Of particular interest is the inner coffin of Pakepu, which features a complex layering structure resembling cartonnage over a thick coating of ‘fibrous glue’ applied to the wood surface. This investigation employs a combination of optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and palaeoproteomic techniques. These methods provide new insights into both the inorganic and organic components of the pastes, highlighting the significant potential of this research approach in furthering the understanding of ancient Egyptian coffin production and technological traditions.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Zaggia, Caterina

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Martinon-Torres, Marcos
• Collins, Matthew

• Pastes
• Egyptian coffins
• Third Intermediate Period
• Egypt
• SEM-EDS
• FTIR
• Palaeoproteomics

Licence

• https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/c72448df-643f-43ea-8e7b-3c21a23af78b/download
• http://purl.org/NET/rdflicense/allrightsreserved

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.126632

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/397513