الأنشطة البحثية | 2017

For 6 days from the 22nd to the 28th February 2018, “Comprehensive Seminar on Cultural Heritages 2017” was hosted.

This seminar was held with researchers and specialists involved in activities on the forefront of fields regarding the conservation of cultural properties. The objective being the pursuit of extensive studies on the topic of cultural heritage. With this being the 5th seminar hosted, the contents and plan was partially changed this time as we incorporated practical training and actual implementation in addition to the lectures.

We received 25 applications from university students, graduate students and working publics etc., all of whom held various intentions, many also participated from outside the Kansai area.

In the lectures, we discussed the laws and institutions related to cultural heritages and the scientific studies of cultural heritages, upon the common understanding of issues regarding what cultural heritage meant for mankind and the reasons behind preserving cultural heritages. Furthermore, we learnt the general knowledge surrounding cultural properties and cultural heritages including historical structures and archaeological sites, metal cultural properties and international cooperation etc. In the lecture incorporating practical training through contact with actual artifacts, participants learned about the traditional techniques and materials of arts and crafts, such as Washi (Japanese paper) and textiles, lacquer artifacts.

In addition, in the lecture on the topic of polychromatic cultural properties, after learning about polychromatic materials employed in ancient times, worked on the practice of drawing patterns of the Nara period (8th Century) with actual colorant materials. Also, in the lecture on biological degradation, we divided into groups and conducted practical exercises regarding examination methods and countermeasures of harmful insects, pests and mold.

Also, we learned about the generation of 3-D models of cultural properties using the method of structure form motion (SfM), and also hands on learning on the handling and packaging methods of cultural properties.

Moreover, the participants visited Gangoji Institute for Research of Cultural Property, Todaiji Museum, Office of the Shosoin treasure home, National Museum of Ethnology. At the Gangoji Institute, we visited the restoration labs and got the explanation about the restoration methods of various cultural properties. At the office of the Shosoin treasure home, we visited the facility in charge of analyzing and restoring of various treasures, and also we were also able to observe the ancient warehouse structure called Azekura and enquire about the preservation methods that ensured the longevity of these treasures.

At the National Museum of Ethnology, we learned about preservation and management of certain materials through a lecture. Then we visited the storage and insecticide treatment facilities, and also we were able to learn practically about the inspection of the museum collection. In addition, we got the information of the methods of environmental management, packaging materials, and proper storage boxing while closely observing actual equipment and materials.

In the questionnaire distributed to the participants, there are comments like “we were able to achieve a deeper understanding about the conservation of cultural heritage not only through the lecture but also through the practical session,” or “it was good experience because there were many of the lectures and the practices that could not be able to get through lectures in university.”

“Middle Egyptian Follow-Up Course” was held for two days on February 1st (Thursday) and 2nd (Friday). This course was organized in accordance with Dr. Salah El-Kholy (Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University) for people who attended the "Middle Egyptian Course (Introductory/ Intermediate)" at CHC while visiting Japan, or those who have experience in learning the language. This course was focused on reviewing Egyptian grammar, as well as reading important literary works of Ancient Egypt. "The Story of Sinuhe", "The Eloquent Peasant" and "The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor", the attendants have read the contents of each material in detail. In the reading of "Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor", Dr. Salah taught how to read and write hieratic. In Japan, there are few opportunities to touch on the materials written in hieratic, therefore it was a good opportunity for students.

"Seminar on cultural heritage in Egypt - Egyptian Heritage Protection" was held at Kansai University Umeda Campus on January 31st (Wed). This seminar was organized in accordance with the visits of Dr. Salah El-Kholy (Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University) who has participated in the field of Egyptology for many years and Mr. Ashraf Ewais who is responsible for the conservation and restoration at the Saqqara archaeological site in Egypt. We planned to present the current state of academic research and conservation activities of cultural heritage in Egypt. Despite the seminar being held on a weekday, the seminar was successfully implemented with many attendees.

In the first session, Dr. Salah gave a lecture on the latest excavation at the Tuna el Gabal ruins in the suburbs of central Egypt, and the study of ancient Egyptian lessons and literature. In addition, we introduced the research methodology of ancient Egyptian history, which handles literary materials by Mr. Tokihisa Higo RA of our research center.

In the second session, Mr. Ashraf delivered a lecture about the recent conservation and restoration activities at the Saqqara archaeological site. In addition, Mr. Kaoru Suemori from our research center introduced the activities to protect cultural heritage in Egypt.

In the third session, three students of Kansai University presented their results of master's and graduation research (Japanese International Cooperation projects "Foreigners and "Gifts″during Reign of Thutmose Ⅲ" by Ms. Yumi Matsumura, "Didactic Literature and Moral Education in Ancient Egypt" by Ms. Yayoi Amasaki, "Image of Kingship in Early Dynastic Period : from Palermo Stone and Related Documents" by Mr. Naoki Higashihama). For the students, it was a valuable opportunity to talk about the results of the research in front of the general public, and we were able to hear many questions and suggestions.

From 17th to 25th January 2018, we carried out a field work and a workshop in Saqqara, Egypt. Also, we visited Imhotep Museum in Saqqara Archaeological site, and the restoration site of the second solar boat in Giza Archaeological site.

Through the field work, we confirmed and recorded the current condition of the mural painting in the burial chamber of Mastaba Idout, and re-allocated the remains. Additionally, we collected the data of temperature and relative humidity from the data loggers which we installed in the burial chamber and the superstructure of Mastaba Idout. On 23rd January, we had the meeting to discuss and evaluate our research activities at Mastaba Idout which Kansai University conducted for more than ten years, and extracted the issues for the future. We confirmed that many issues were still remained. The strong will to continue the project was indicated by the Egyptian members.

From 21st to 23rd January, we held the workshop titled "Facing Techniques for Mural Painting with Applying Funori (Seaweed) Paste." Funori paste made by seaweeds is a Japanese traditional adhesive used as a restoration material of painting or other cultural properties. The Kansai University mission selected this material for facing the mural painting of Idout. This workshop aimed to provide technical and scientific information of Funori as well as to instruct how to prepare and apply Funori for conservation of mural painting. Dr. Iwataro Oka of Okabokkodo Co., Ltd., gave the lectures about the characteristics of Funori and application of Funori in conservation of cultural heritage with showing the examples. In the practical session, the participants were divided into three groups and prepared Funori paste as well as experimented it on the surface of the mural model. Many questions were proposed from the participants, and an active discussion was carried out related to Funori like the advantages and disadvantages of applying it in the conservation works.

Since April 2017, we have conducted two surveys in Saqqara archaeological site in Egypt, one in September 2017 and the other in November 2017.

The first survey in September 2017 was intended to proceed the research for the conservation of the mural paintings in the burial chamber of Mastaba Idout. However, due to not being able to obtain the security clearance required, we were not able to implement our research activities inside the burial chamber at this time. Therefore, we conducted the condition survey of archaeological monuments located around Mastaba Idout instead. In addition, as the continuous research topic of the center, we conducted the survey at the Saqqara village next to Saqqara archaeological site.

The second survey in November 2017 was conducted before and after the International Meeting held in Saqqara. Since we were finally granted the security clearance at the end of October, we were able to proceed research inside the burial chamber of Mastaba Idout. In the survey, we acquired 3D measurements of the shaft which leads to the burial chamber. 3D measurements of the shaft have been taken several times before, but there were some issues such as incomplete data. In this survey we obtained good quality data by devising the method of measurement. Inside the burial chamber, we checked the condition of mural paintings, the mother rock, and acquired measurement data of rock cracks displacement as well as temperature and humidity. Furthermore, in order to fix the mural paintings which we had temporarily attached to the wall, we executed experiments to strengthen the rock by applying various consolidation agents on stone specimens similar to the mother rock of the burial chamber.

We held the third survey in January 2018, which was the last mission in the five-year project at Saqqara archaeological site. In this survey, we acquired various types of data that are continuously being measured. Also we had a discussion meeting with the members of CHC in Egypt and the experts working at the site, to overview the results of our surveys and research as well as to extract remaining issues. We considered and confirmed our directions and measures which would be taken in the future for the issues.

Barbar Temple is an archaeological heritage site in Bahrain, which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. There are facilities for rituals which had been used at that time and facilities for ceremonies at the temple. With the cooperation of Mr. Salman Almahari of the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain, the center is conducting a survey aimed at the preservation and utilization of the Temple from 2015. In 2017, the field survey was conducted twice in March and December, 2017.

In the survey of March 2017, we measured the strength of the rocks inside the temple and documented the sites by photographs using drones (unmanned aerial vehicles). Moreover, using a 3D laser scanner, we carried out 3D measurements of the whole site, in order to record enough data about the site. In response to requests from the Bahrain Ministry of Culture, we also conducted a documentation at Al Khamis Mosque. In addition, in order to grasp the current state of the site more accurately, we conducted a comparative survey with the past record by the Danish mission.

In the survey of December 2017, we held a result report meeting at Bahrain National Museum prior to the field survey. At the briefing session, we shared the findings of the research done at Kansai University with experts in Bahrain and discussed challenges for the future preservation and utilization of Barbar Temple.

In the survey of Barbar Temple, based on the results of the previous research and the state and characteristics of the site, we chose the target area where investigation is focused. Then, we conducted stone deterioration diagnosis using newly obtained equipment such as Schmidt Hammer and Equotip Hardness Tester, we also acquired detailed data of the surveyed target area by aerial photography with the 3D laser scanner, drone, and comparative research with photographs taken at the excavation sites. Consequently we got detailed information on the priority target area by acquiring image data used for the target area.

On the 17th of December 2017, the Center held the final report conference entitled "Five Years for Establishing Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Studies." Nearly 100 people attended the conference, and the Center was able to report the results of the research activities which have been implemented under the scope of “Comprehensive Global Studies for Utilizing Cultural Heritage".

In the first session, after summarizing the five years of the Center activities, three of our members, Prof. Tadateru Nishiura from the Cultural Heritage Restoration Group, Prof. Takashi Mori from the Global Culture Group, and Prof. Eriko Oka from the Egyptology, Egyptian Society Group, reported the efforts earned through the collaborative studies among natural sciences and human sciences.

In the second session, some results which the Center had carried out at the Mastaba Idout at Saqqara archaeological site in Egypt were reported. Dr. Ahmed Shoeib, and Dr. Adel Akarish reported on the conservation of the mural painting in the burial chamber, Prof. Tatsuaki Nishigata, Prof. Yoshinobu Nakamura and Prof. Hiroaki Tsuruta reported on the reinforcement measures being taken on the mother rock of the burial chamber, and Prof. Yoshihiro Yasumuro reported on the application of IT on documentation.

In the last session, after responding to the questions received from the audience, the panel discussion was held under the title of “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Future”. Four Egyptian members, Dr. Salah el Kholy, Dr. Ahmed Shoeib, Dr. Adel Akarish and Dr. Maisa Mansour participated in the discussion and presented their opinions about the efforts of the Center from each respective standpoint. At the end of the session, they expressed their strong desire to continue the project for solving the many remaining issues surrounding cultural heritage preservation in Egypt.

On the 17th of December 2017, the Center held the final report conference entitled "Five Years for Establishing Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Studies." Nearly 100 people attended the conference, and the Center was able to report the results of the research activities which have been implemented under the scope of “Comprehensive Global Studies for Utilizing Cultural Heritage".

In the first session, after summarizing the five years of the Center activities, three of our members, Prof. Tadateru Nishiura from the Cultural Heritage Restoration Group, Prof. Takashi Mori from the Global Culture Group, and Prof. Eriko Oka from the Egyptology, Egyptian Society Group, reported the efforts earned through the collaborative studies among natural sciences and human sciences.

In the second session, some results which the Center had carried out at the Mastaba Idout at Saqqara archaeological site in Egypt were reported. Dr. Ahmed Shoeib, and Dr. Adel Akarish reported on the conservation of the mural painting in the burial chamber, Prof. Tatsuaki Nishigata, Prof. Yoshinobu Nakamura and Prof. Hiroaki Tsuruta reported on the reinforcement measures being taken on the mother rock of the burial chamber, and Prof. Yoshihiro Yasumuro reported on the application of IT on documentation.

In the last session, after responding to the questions received from the audience, the panel discussion was held under the title of “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Future”. Four Egyptian members, Dr. Salah el Kholy, Dr. Ahmed Shoeib, Dr. Adel Akarish and Dr. Maisa Mansour participated in the discussion and presented their opinions about the efforts of the Center from each respective standpoint. At the end of the session, they expressed their strong desire to continue the project for solving the many remaining issues surrounding cultural heritage preservation in Egypt.

The Center held the “Intermediate-level Class of Middle Egyptian Language” on the three days of November 18, 25 and December 3, 2017.

The course was designed for those who have learned the basic grammar of ancient Egyptian language in the “Introductory-level Class of Middle Egyptian Language” of this center, and for those who have enough experience of reading ancient Egyptian texts. Dr. Nobuyuki Fujii and Mr. Tokihisa Higo worked as lecturers. This course aimed to provide an opportunity for practical and academic study of the ancient Egyptian language.

On the first day, parts of the Story of Shinuhe and the Story of the Eloquent Peasant which are well known famous literature in ancient Egypt were read. On the second day, we dealt with funerary stela of Maaty and Stela of Py, and on the last day, we read the spells from two religious texts, the Coffin Texts and the Book of the Dead.

The Center held the International Meeting “Saving Archaeological Heritage in Saqqara – 10 years achievements of Kansai University Mission” on the 8th and 9th of November 2017.

This meeting aimed to share with local experts the activities and research achievements of Kansai University’s 10 year mission which was mainly implemented under the Institute for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties (2008-2013) and the Center for the Global Study of Cultural Heritage and Culture (2013-2018). The meeting was held at the “Saqqara Palm Club” which is located near Saqqara archaeological site so that many local experts could participate in the meeting. There were more than 80 participants at the meeting including Egyptian and Japanese experts.

On the first day of the meeting, Mr. Kenichiro Mukai, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Egypt, gave an opening speech. In the first session, Mr. Kaoru Suemori gave an overview of Kansai University’s mission, and Dr. Salah El Kholy gave general information about Saqqara archaeological site. In the second session, Dr. Ahmed Shoeib, Prof. Tadateru Nishiura, Mr. Rafal Kuhn, and Ms. Paulina Juszczyk gave a presentation about the conservation of mural paintings in different fields. Then, in the third session, Dr. Maisa Mansour and Dr. Kosuke Takatori presented research on biological degradation of cultural properties in Egypt and Japan.

In the first session of the second day, Dr. Yoshinobu Nakamura, Dr. Hiroaki Tsuruta, Dr. Tatsuaki Nishigata, Dr. Atsushi Ito and Dr. Toshiya Matsui presented the research activities related to the conservation of rock/stone of cultural heritage sites. In the following sessions, Dr. Yoshihiro Yasumuro and Mr. Tokihisa Higo presented about the documentation of cultural heritage and its applications, then Mr. Ashraf Ewais and Dr. Salman Almahari presented about site management of cultural heritage in Egypt and Bahrain. At the end of the meeting, the general discussion titled “Issues on Saving Saqqara Archaeological Heritage for the Future” was held under the facilitation of Prof. Tadateru Nishiura, many active opinions arose including the necessary measures to preserve Saqqara archaeological site for the future.

The excursion was held for four days, one day before the meeting and three days after the meeting, and the members visited the museums and cultural heritage sites. On the day before the meeting, the members visited the construction site of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is currently under construction with support from the Japanese Government. The members also visited the Conservation Center of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM-CC), and observed actual conservation including the Tutankhamun collection that will be exhibited at the new museum.

After the meeting, the members visited the Egyptian Museum, the Islamic Museum, and the archaeological sites in Saqqara, Dahshur and Giza. At Saqqara, members visited Mastaba Idout and had discussions for future activities. Also the members visited the site originating from the 26th dynasty where Egyptian archaeologists are currently excavating. In Giza, the members visited the site of the second solar boat project where the restoration works are being proceeded with the cooperation of a Japanese team. The members also had the opportunity to learn about the policy, contents, and future tasks of the restoration works from the Japanese experts who are engaged in the project.

“Seminar on Egyptology 2017” was held at the Umeda Campus of Kansai University on the 23rd July 2017. Despite the very hot weather, over 120 people attended the seminar. This seminar was designed to introduce the present academic topics related to Egyptology from different approaches such as Religion, Archeology, Literature, and History. The center invited two leading researchers in the field of Egyptology.

Dr. Keiko Tazawa (Researcher of the Ancient Orient Museum) had the lecture titled “Gods, People and Myths in Ancient Egypt” and Dr. Nozomu Kawai (Associate Professor of Kanazawa University) had the lecture titled "Memphis and its Cemetery in the New Kingdom Period". In addition, Dr. Hiroshi Suita (Director of the Center) and Dr. Nobuyuki Fujii (Visiting Researcher of the Center) gave lectures about the "Study of Pyramid's Text" and "Egypt during the Sais Dynasty (26th Dynasty)".

At the question corner, each professor answered.

The "Introductory Class of Middle Egyptian Language" was held for four days on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th of June 2017. These classes were designed for those who are starting to study Ancient Egyptian language for the first time, and for those who are interested in Ancient Egypt. More than 30 people from all ages attended this class. Prof. Hiroshi Suita (Director of CHC) and Mr. Tokihisa Higo (Research Assistant of CHC) gave lectures using “A Basic Grammar of Middle Egyptian” written by Prof. Hiroshi Suita.

The contents of the lectures were as follows:

1st: Forms of Letters, Basic Pronouns and Basic, Structures of Sentence.

2nd: Main Clauses and Subordinate Clauses, Verbs and Infinitives.

3rd: Verbal Forms and Nominalization, Stative, Pseudo-verbal Construction.

4th: Relative Form, Relative Clause and Various Sentences.