Swansea Egypt Centre
Investigation of 2nd Century Funerary Shrouds
This study explores the pigments used on a collection of Roman-Egyptian textile fragments, commonly referred to as Soter shrouds, from the Egypt Centre in Swansea, Wales. Through multi-analytical techniques, including modified smartphone multispectral imaging (MSI), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and polarized light microscopy (PLM), new insights into the material composition of these funerary textiles have been revealed. Unique pigments, such as orpiment, madder lake, and Egyptian blue, highlight the complexity of pigment use.
The partial VIL luminescence found in areas of red, orange, and secondary blue pigments points to the prominence of mixing and overpainting practices. Through MSI, specific shroud fragments have been found to have a connection, warranting further analysis. These findings suggest associations between these textiles and broader Soter-affiliated artifacts, suggesting shared production techniques. Further pigment analysis can bridge the gaps in our understanding of Roman-Egyptian funerary textile production, potentially creating a diagnostic framework for potential affiliation with the Soter family.
