Applications of Variable Pressure SEM and Raman Spectroscopy for the Non-destructive Study of Bio-Specimens from Pre-Columbian Mummies in the Tarapacá Valley, Northern Chile

Abstract

Applications of variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) to the fields of anthropology, archaeometry, and conservation have transformed the way materials are sampled and analyzed [1]. VPSEM in combination with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical characterization of archaeological materials.

Raman Spectroscopy of cultural heritage Materials: Overview of Applications and New Frontiers in Instrumentation, Sampling Modalities, and Data Processing

“…FT-Raman spectroscopy has been used to characterise bone, hoofs, tortoiseshell [134] and ivory [130]. Significant advancements in the characterisation of biopolymers, such as skin, callus, hair and nail [15,305], as well as mummified [6] and archaeological skin [133] and human hair from archaeological excavations, have been reported [249,306].…”

Raman Spectroscopy of cultural heritage Materials: Overview of Applications and New Frontiers in Instrumentation, Sampling Modalities, and Data Processing

“…Significant advancements in the characterisation of biopolymers, such as skin, callus, hair and nail [15,305], as well as mummified [6] and archaeological skin [133] and human hair from archaeological excavations, have been reported [249,306].…”