A meticulous protein analysis of ancient Egyptian wooden coffins, tomb fragments, and wall paintings has unveiled the hidden belief system of ancient artisans in their paint preparation [1]. The study, conducted by the University of Copenhagen and collaborating researchers, examined 14 artifacts dating from 1425 BCE to 400 CE. The research shed new light on the religious dimension of ancient art by revealing that not only animal proteins were used as organic binders to adhere paints to surfaces, but also the moringa plant, identified with Ptah, the patron god of artisans, was incorporated.
The Unseen Heroes of Paint: Binders
Researchers employed advanced paleoproteomic methods to examine the composition of the paints. While the color pigments used in ancient Egyptian art have been extensively studied, the adhesives and binders that made the paint usable had largely been overlooked. The analyses confirmed that ancient Egyptians widely used proteins from various mammals, including cattle, donkeys, horses, and wild antelopes, as adhesives. However, the truly surprising discovery was the presence of proteins from sesame and moringa plants in the paint mixtures.
A Tribute to Ptah, the Protector of Artisans
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the moringa tree was considered one of the earthly manifestations of Ptah, the god of artisans and creativity. Professor Enrico Cappellini, one of the lead researchers, expressed his astonishment at the presence of moringa seed proteins. According to scientists, ancient artists may have consciously added the moringa plant to their paints not just as a practical binder, but as a way to dedicate their craft to the god Ptah, seek his protection, and transform their creative ideas into tangible works.
The Symbolic Power of Materials
The attribution of such religious and symbolic meanings to materials was a common practice in ancient Egypt. For instance, golden tongues placed in the mouths of the deceased during the Hellenistic and Roman periods were intended to grant the deceased divine speech in the afterlife, based on the belief that gold was the flesh of the gods [2]. Similarly, star charts and celestial depictions drawn on coffins were designed not merely to measure time, but to facilitate the deceased's soul's reunion with the gods in the heavens [3]. The use of moringa in paints thus demonstrates a direct reflection of this deep belief system in artistic production.
This study once again highlights the unique opportunities that modern scientific technologies offer to art historians and Egyptologists. By moving beyond written texts or visual representations, the direct analysis of chemical components opens new windows into the minds and beliefs of artisans who lived thousands of years ago.
Sources and Further Reading
- [1] What can science reveal about ancient Egyptian mysteries?
- [2] Egyptian tombs with golden tongue: 18 tombs dating back 2,000 years revealed 24 golden tongues inside the mouths of the dead — In 2026, archaeologists uncovered the bizarre purpose behind the ancient Egyptian ritual - The Economic Times
- [3] Stars and Time in Ancient Egypt | EES