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Natural Science in Archaeology

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280 11 Build<strong>in</strong>g, Monumental, and Statuary Materials<br />

Fig. 11.12 The Mokattam Formation, members I and II, the lowest rock layers from which the<br />

Sph<strong>in</strong>x was carved, require regular conservation because they are soft and constantly crumble<br />

However, most of the body of the Sph<strong>in</strong>x is carved from much softer layers of member<br />

II, ly<strong>in</strong>g above the reef limestone. This layer displays the most deterioration.<br />

The head is carved from member III, a much more durable rock. Without <strong>in</strong>tensive<br />

conservation, the Sph<strong>in</strong>x could crumble <strong>in</strong> less than 100 years.

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