Abstract:
This study is based on the conservation and treatment of a wooden backgammon board that was inlaid with mother-of-pearl, dating back to the 19th century, from the possessions of Saad Pasha Zaghloul. The study deals with photographic documenting of the damage in the backgammon board and the examination using microscopes such as digital, stereo, and optical microscopes. Analysis of the mother-of-pearl and the adhesive used to fix the inlaid materials were conducted using FTIR.
The conservation and treatment began with sterilization due to the presence of the remains of an insect molting bag inside the box, which was followed by the cleaning phases, both mechanical and chemical. Then three experiments were conducted to reduce and refine the mother-of-pearl used in the completion of the missing inlays, then the cracks were filled using a mixture of Paraloid B 72, glass microballoon, and suitable pigment colors that match the color of the wood of the backgammon board.