Page from George H. Forsyth’s Sinai field notes

Title

Page from George H. Forsyth’s Sinai field notes

Description

This page from George H. Forsyth’s Sinai field notes, part of the Ilene H. Forsyth collection, represents detailed observations and sketches from his archaeological research at the Monastery of St. Catherine. Dated November 1, 1963, and subsequent days, the document exemplifies Forsyth’s rigorous approach to documenting and analyzing architectural and material elements of the site.
In his analysis of the Burnt Bush Chapel, Forsyth records his investigation of the chapel's flooring, noting prior restoration efforts and the replacement of original materials decades earlier. He comments on the absence of foundational evidence in certain areas and considers the broader implications for understanding the chapel's construction history and subsequent interventions. His reflections reveal careful consideration of the challenges posed by incomplete or altered architectural remains.
The notes also describe material tests and sampling undertaken during the study. Forsyth methodically labels sections of his findings with designations such as "A," "B," "C," and "D," referring to architectural components such as beams, flooring, and truss joints. These observations are accompanied by technical sketches that illustrate the position and nature of these materials within the site, providing a visual complement to the written documentation. The diagrams are precise, depicting structural details such as truss joinery and cross-sections that enhance understanding of the construction techniques employed.
Throughout the document, Forsyth’s handwritten annotations and marginal corrections highlight his iterative process of observation and analysis. His additional notes refine his conclusions and demonstrate his commitment to accuracy and clarity in his fieldwork. The combination of descriptive text and technical illustration underscores Forsyth’s methodological precision and scholarly rigor.
As discussed in Ilene H. Forsyth and Elizabeth Sears’s article (2016, fig. 12, p. 133), these field notes represent a significant contribution to the study of the architectural and material history of the Monastery of St. Catherine. They reflect Forsyth’s dedication to documenting the complexities of the site and offer valuable insights into the monastery's historical and structural evolution.

https://archive.org/details/DOP70_05_Forsyth_and_Sears