Proteomics reveals animal and plant ingredients in ancient Egyptian paints and glues

The useful part

The development of cutting-edge, non-destructive techniques has been helping to unlock those secrets, aiding conservation efforts. Most recently, researchers have used mass spectrometry-based proteomics to analyze the glues and adhesives in a broad set of Egyptian artifacts, according to a new paper published in the journal Science Advances. In 2023, scientists used a portable MA-XRF imaging device to study ancient Egyptian paintings, part of a broader project investigating tomb chapels in the Theban Necropolis.

How it works

• It's possible they were residual byproducts of the seed processing, but more research combining complementary techniques is needed to better define how (and why) sesame and moringa may have been used.
• "We clearly show that moringa is the precious source of the material the artisan needs to accomplish their creation," the authors concluded.
• Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm The precise composition of ancient Egyptian paints, binders, adhesives, and similar materials used to make artifacts is largely unknown, in...
• The technique is so sensitive that less sample material is needed compared to other methods.
• Unlike, say, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, it's also capable of characterizing all proteins present in a sample (regardless of the complexity of the mixture), rather than being narrowly targeted to...

What to take from it

Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm Fragment of a painted wooden mummy coffin. Museum/CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 In 2023, scientists used this approach to discover that beer byproducts were popular canvas primers for artists of the Danish Golden Age. Those materials were most likely prepared by boiling animal skin and connective tissue.

Example or evidence

• Protein power Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a relative newcomer to the field and is capable of providing a thorough and very detailed characterization of any protein residues present in a given...
• One possible clue lies in the fact that the moringa tree in particular held a special symbolic significance to ancient Egyptians.
• It was considered a manifestation of the god Ptah, believed to be the patron of craftsmen, and finding traces on a coffin corroborates this connection.
• "Alternatively, the use of moringa could represent a possible action taken by the artist to devote or safeguard the final product of their craftsmanship and creativity." Science Advances, 2026.

Details worth keeping

Scientists unlock secrets of ancient Egyptian materials with proteomics. As previously reported, the ancient Egyptians had a highly formalized (and easily recognizable) painting style, and there has been considerable interest in gaining insights into the specific pigments and painting techniques employed. Museum/CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Fragment of a painted wooden mummy coffin.

Related coverage

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• Gizmodo: The findings suggest that the artists of ancient Egypt cared deeply about every step of their work.
• Arstechnica: Even a handheld XRF scanner is sufficient to determine most promising scrolls for further analysis.
• Scitechdaily: Researchers recreated a damaged ancient scroll to test a new way to study the past.
• Discovermagazine: Learn about a new magnetic testing method that can help authenticate ancient clay relics and fight against black market antiquities.