Technological model of the Demeter sepulchre

About museum

In 1895, in the city of Kerch, a unique monument of Bosporan funerary culture was discovered — the Demeter Sepulchre. On the walls of the burial chamber the abduction of Kore (the daughter of the goddess) by Pluto is depicted. The central ceiling is dominated by the striking eyes of Demeter, dressed in a blue chiton; her neck is adorned with a gold necklace, and her chestnut hair, with hanging wavy locks, is parted in the middle and falls in curling waves onto her shoulders. In the early 20th century the Demeter Sepulchre was acquired by the Archaeological Commission and opened to visitors. However, by 1914 increased humidity and flaking of the paint layer were noticed in the sepulchre. In 1927 it was decided to restrict visitor access, and in 1938 an increase in paint flaking was observed. In the 1970s construction of a residential neighborhood next to the sepulchre sharply affected the humidity level in the tomb. Restoration work and attempts to dry out the sepulchre were undertaken. The museum was advised to carry out continuous humidity monitoring in the tomb.