State-of-the-art imaging technology has been used to analyze an ancient Jewish manuscript, which reveals how it has been degraded and repaired over time.
Researchers in Romania used different parts of the light spectra to expose the hidden history of the scroll, which contains chapters from the Hebrew Bible.
The findings could help conservators understand the best way to restore the artifact, using appropriate materials, and, if necessary, undo previous repair efforts.
State-of-the-art imaging technology has been used to analyze an ancient Jewish manuscript, which reveals how it has been degraded and repaired over time. In the image, a series of images of the roll, showing various types of degradation that have affected the old document
“The aim of the study was to understand what the passage of time has caused on the object, how it degraded and what would be the best approach for its future conservation process,” said Luminita Ghervase, author and physicist of the document.
A combination of imaging techniques was used in the privately owned sacred scroll, which contained several chapters from the Book of Esther of the Hebrew Bible, but was in poor condition.
“The use of complementary research techniques can shed light on the unknown history of this object,” added Dr. Ghervase, from the National Institute for Optoelectronics Research and Development in Romania.
“For some years now, non-invasive and non-destructive research techniques have been the first choice for investigating cultural heritage objects, for complying with one of the main rules of conservation practice, which is not to harm the object.”
Multispectral images, which use different wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum, revealed normally invisible details about manuscript wear.
A dark spot appeared on the roll when viewed in ultraviolet light, suggesting that the paper had previously been repaired with an organic material such as resin.
The researchers used the so-called hyperspectral image, which collects information from each pixel of the image in the entire spectrum, to analyze the material composition of the parchment ink.
Two different types of ink were detected: they provided additional evidence suggesting that someone had previously set out to repair the roll.
The researchers then used a computer algorithm to further break down the nature of the roll materials.
Researchers in Romania used different parts of the light spectra to expose the hidden history of the scroll, which contains chapters from the Hebrew Bible. In the image, the displacement is displayed through various wavelengths of light, from visible (left) to near infrared (right).
“The algorithm used for classifying materials has the potential to be used to identify traces of ink to infer the possible original shape of the letters,” Dr. Ghervase explained.
The roll was exposed to an imaging technique known as X-ray fluorescence to identify the chemicals used in both the ink and the manufacture of the parchment.
Rich concentrations of zinc were discovered on the parchment. This metal is often associated with bleaching processes, but its presence could also be a sign of past restoration.
Finally, the team used the so-called Fourier transform infrared spectrometer to study how some of the chemicals in the roll had changed over time.
The findings could help conservators understand the best way to restore the artifact, using appropriate materials, and, if necessary, undo previous repair efforts. In the image: the front (top) and back (bottom) of the manuscript, as seen in an ultraviolet fluorescence examination
The researchers were able to determine how quickly the roll deteriorated by observing the amount of collagen, which is made from animal skin.
The combination of these techniques could help professionals restore ancient pieces of history to their former glory.
“They can decide prudently whether inappropriate materials have been used and whether those materials should be removed,” Dr. Ghervase said.
“In addition, restorers can choose the most appropriate materials to restore and preserve the object, discarding possible incompatible materials.”
The full findings of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Materials.