Studying cartonnage to better understand the role of funerary artefacts in ancient Egypt
During Egypt’s Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the use of mummy masks, foot cases, chest covers and full body coverings in elite burials increased quite dramatically due to socio-economic factors. In fact, this increase was so remarkable that in some parts of Egypt such objects made of cartonnage – a material consisting of layers of linen or papyrus soaked in plaster – became the central element of the burial. Although today we have a general understanding of how the ancient Egyptians manufactured cartonnage, there are several distinct stages of the process that differed over time and across regions and which still need further investigation. With a focus on the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the CRAFT(opens in new window) project was launched to address this lack of information on the regional and constructional differences of funerary cartonnage. Project work has concentrated on the production methods used in the Fayoum Oasis and the Western Desert to identify regional differences in craftsmanship techniques, iconography and decorative styles. State-of-the-art technology – 3D scanning, photogrammetry, multi-spectral imaging and X-ray analyses – is being used to find out if production methods or artistic choices varied in different regions, reflecting local traditions or workshops. “By exploring the technical, stylistic and geographical aspects of cartonnage, CRAFT aims to enhance our understanding of the cultural and social context in which these artefacts were created, offering new insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices,” explains Egyptologist Carlo Rindi Nuzzolo, who is the principal investigator of the project. Since 2022, CRAFT has studied cartonnage from more than 50 museums, private collections, ongoing excavations and research institutions across five continents. So far, over 450 artefacts have been recorded, with several still positioned on mummified individuals. “This global-scale research initiative has enabled CRAFT to amass an exceptional and diverse body of data, facilitating a deeper understanding of cartonnage craftsmanship across various regions,” comments Nuzzolo.
New light
The CRAFT project has succeeded in identifying clusters of artefacts that share the same mould, casting light on the production processes and distribution of cartonnage items. It has also discovered the geographical provenience of previously unprovenanced artefacts in museum collections, helping to establish a more accurate historical and geographical context for these objects. Through the discovery of unique stylistic features, material compositions and manufacturing methods, the project has been able to identify local workshops and understand the distinct variations in production techniques employed in different parts of ancient Egypt. “By emphasising these regional distinctions, CRAFT has shed new light on the diversity of practices within the ancient Egyptian cartonnage tradition, offering a broader perspective on the production of funerary artefacts and their role in ancient Egyptian society,” concludes Nuzzolo. Nearing completion, CRAFT (Cartonnage Regionalism in the Ateliers of the Fayum Territory) is focusing on the detailed study and comparison of the artefacts recorded in its earlier stages to better understand them and contribute to a broader perspective on ancient production methods. New findings will also be published to further enrich the body of knowledge on cartonnage artefacts. If you are interested in having your project featured as a ‘Project of the Month’ in an upcoming issue, please send us an email to editorial@cordis.europa.eu and tell us why!
Keywords
CRAFT, mummy, cartonnage, Egypt, artefact, funerary, craftsmanship, mask