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The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has completed the conservation and restoration work on the papyrus of the scribe User-Hat-Mes, from the Late Period, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the country’s archaeological heritage according to international standards.
Hisham El Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the papyrus was transferred earlier in the day from its display case to the museum’s Papyrus Conservation Laboratory. A specialized team carried out cleaning and restoration using up-to-date scientific methods aligned with globally recognized conservation charters, before returning the artefact to its original display.
The papyrus had shown signs of airborne fungal activity, which caused temporary discoloration in the form of small black spots. Such cases are common in organic materials like papyri and are routinely treated. The fungi, he noted, do not damage the structural or chemical integrity of the artefact and are not considered destructive microbiological infections.
El-Leithy confirmed that the official responsible for failing to carry out scheduled periodic maintenance on the papyrus in a timely manner has been referred for investigation, in line with established conservation protocols.
Meanwhile, Ali Abdel-Halim, Director of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, explained that some darker areas visible on the papyrus are not signs of mold, but rather original features resulting from aging and prolonged burial prior to its discovery.
He reaffirmed the museum’s commitment to safeguarding Egypt’s cultural heritage and ensuring its preservation for future generations through continuous conservation and adherence to best international practices.
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