Digging Diaries from Deir el-Medina 2026 – Week Two
Preserving Memory: The Restoration of TT214
These have been intense weeks here at Deir el-Medina: there is a lot of work to do, and time seems to fly by. It feels like we just set off, and yet we are already in the second week of the mission!
The view of the village continues to amaze us every morning, especially as the sun begins to light up the entire landscape. We arrive wearing jackets and scarves, but within a few hours, the heat starts to make itself felt, bringing a surprisingly pleasant sensation.
Our work continues in the tomb of Khaui, known as TT214, specifically in the decorated burial chamber. The walls are covered with murals that have been severely compromised over a long and complex history. Working here is a team of Egyptologists and museum conservators, supported by specialists from the CCR La Venaria Reale / CCR. Coordinating the activities is Michela Cardinali, director of the CCR laboratories, together with restorers Marie-Claire Canepa and Roberta Coco.
Entering the burial chamber, the walls immediately reveal the challenges they have faced over time. In antiquity, the tomb was violated by looters who, trying to reach adjacent rooms, made holes in the walls. These intrusions weakened the masonry and caused serious stability problems in the layers of plaster that support the paintings.
On top of this, a fire broke out in the rooms adjacent to the tomb. The intense heat altered some pigments, changing the original appearance of the decorations. Yellows exposed to high temperatures turned red, while details originally painted in black now appear much lighter. This chromatic change deeply affects how the scenes can be read.
Restoration work began in 2024 with an initial phase of study, documentation, and stabilization, essential for understanding the materials and preventing further losses. These activities allowed us to deepen our knowledge of the execution techniques, assess the state of preservation of the paintings, and reconstruct the main historical and conservation events. This year, work is focused on consolidating the plaster and filling losses, which will be followed by the start of pictorial reintegration, improving the interpretation of the painted scenes.
Every action is measured, slow, and carefully controlled. At Deir el-Medina, day by day, the colors and images of the past gradually begin to tell their story again.
Curious to know more? Join us next Friday as we continue the story of our mission. If you wish, you can accompany us on this journey: support the archaeological missions of the Museo Egizio and help bring new stories to light.
