Scientists unlock secrets of ancient Egyptian materials with proteomics
Analysis revealed seed proteins from sesame and moringa, which held religious and symbolic significance.
Analysis revealed seed proteins from sesame and moringa, which held religious and symbolic significance.
The short version
- The precise composition of ancient Egyptian paints, binders, adhesives, and similar materials used to make artifacts is largely unknown, in part because a full analysis would require taking samples that would damage those valuable artifacts.
- 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.
What happened
They found plenty of expected sources, such as animal collagens and egg proteins, but also plant proteins, specifically from sesame and drumstick tree (moringa) cereals. In 2023, scientists used this approach to discover that beer byproducts were popular canvas primers for artists of the Danish Golden Age.
Why it matters
And earlier this year, we reported on the identification of proteins from fingerprints of Renaissance people rifling through the pages of medical manuals, revealing more about how people constructed hands-on knowledge in that period.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Ars Technica via the links above and below.