2008 Volume 43 Pages 61-73
In this paper, the author focuses upon the scientific analysis on four vitreous artifacts with the names ofAmenophis III and his queen that are stored in Nariwa Museum. The aim of the research is to find out a geographical trait of these four tested artifacts. The use of Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence analysis (SR-XRF) at SPring-8 enabled us to fingerprint the rare earth elements (REE) and heavier elements. The result of the analysis gave us information such as the distinctive use of copper and cobalt as a blue colorant, the latter was mostly used for the better-quality pieces. Since neither cobalt nor antimony bearing ores are not attested in Egypt, there is a possibility of using imported minerals. Also, a series of REE is detected from some objects. An analysis on Egyptian sands and Mesopotamian sands reveals that a series of REE are not obvious in Egyptian sands, but apparent in the latter. Since REE reflect geographical characteristics, we may be able to give a tentative hypothesis that some of the examined artifacts were made in Egypt with imported ingredients. This analysis yielded a possibility toward regional characterization of vitreous materials, which may eventually leads to reveal the international trade relationship during the mid New Kingdom.
