FINAL REPORT CONSERVATION PROJECT THEBAN TOMB 159 DRAA ABU EL NAGA ARCE CONSERVATION FIELD SCHOOL SEASON 2015-2016

The tomb suffered from several decay phases due to defects in materials selection, decay caused by the surrounding environment, and human factors such as intentional mechanical damage, soiling, surface deposits, and microbiological spots. The decay aspects of the tomb can be classified into several categories. Superficial decay includes intentional mechanical damage, such as cutting and scratching of scenes, as well as soiling caused by the use of fire and cooking by people of Dra Abu el Naga. Surface deposits, including wasp nests, acid rain drops mixed with dust, and bird deposits, also contributed to the decay of the tomb. Microbiological spots, insecticide damage, and previous intervention also affected the tomb's condition. The paint layer decay of the tomb includes loss of paint area, scaling, flaking, and spots. Loss of paint area was evident in areas where the paint, pictorial, and preparatory layer was damaged. Scaling displayed a loss of color over areas that were painted over the white wash layer. Flaking occurred mainly on the color layer, appearing as voids between paint and plaster layers with some cracking evident. Spots were a change of surface color due to water drops or other material effects. The preparatory layer decay of the tomb includes cracks, which appeared as separate layers of plaster. The cracks were caused by the shrinkage of the plaster over time, leading to the separation of the layers. The conservation project aimed to rehabilitate the tomb and protect it. The project had two goals: to carry out conservation of the tomb as a practical goal and to teach trainees as an educational goal. The project carried out documentation, evaluation of the current condition, and selection of suitable treatment methods for application. Educating the trainees provided them with knowledge and experience in the conservation of antiquities, making them equipped to carry out the preservation of cultural heritage. The conservation treatments on the walls included pre-consolidation for urgent areas, mechanical cleaning activities, consolidation activities, fixing stone fragments and plaster separated pieces, mortar application, grouting detachment for connection between mud sheet and support, and replace the previous mortar intervention by repair mortar. The treatments on the ceiling included removing the previous intervention mortar, grouting activities, fault treatment, mortar application, and re-adhesion. The treatments on the facade included removing cement mortar intervention, placing tiles on the facades, liquid formation internal sides and finishing process, treatment of the fault with pieces of stone and mortar, and maintenance on the existing metal door. The potential future work and recommendations for the tomb include ceiling protection, which is essential to prevent further damage and deterioration. The conservation project provided valuable experience and knowledge to the trainees, who are now equipped to carry out the preservation of cultural heritage.