Combining TXRF, FT-IR and GC–MS information for identification of inorganic and organic components in black pigments of rock art from Alero Hornillos 2 (Jujuy, Argentina)

Abstract

Archaeological samples are complex in composition since they generally comprise a mixture of materials submitted to deterioration factors largely dependent on the environmental conditions. Therefore, the integration of analytical tools such as TXRF, FT-IR and GC-MS can maximize the amount of information provided by the sample. Recently, two black rock art samples of camelid figures at Alero Hornillos 2, an archaeological site located near the town of Susques (Jujuy Province, Argentina), were investigated. TXRF, selected for inorganic information, showed the presence of manganese and iron among other elements, consistent with an iron and manganese oxide as the black pigment. Aiming at the detection of any residual organic compounds, the samples were extracted with a chloroform-methanol mixture and the extracts were analyzed by FT-IR, showing the presence of bands attributable to lipids. Analysis by GC-MS of the carboxylic acid methyl esters prepared from the sample extracts, indicated that the main organic constituents were saturated (C(16:0) and C(18:0)) fatty acids in relative abundance characteristic of degraded animal fat. The presence of minor C(15:0) and C(17:0) fatty acids and branched-chain iso-C(16:0) pointed to a ruminant animal source.

New evidence of adhesive as hafting material on Middle and Upper Palaeolithic artefacts from Gura Cheii-Râşnov Cave (Romania)

“…From the EDXRF analysis, it was possible to also detect Cr and V, being well known that the ratio V/Cr offers data about the sedimentary and climate evolution of glacial and post-glacial phases for the Late Palaeolithic (Vasquez et al, 2008). The vanadium occurrence may be proof of oil presence (Aizenshtat and Sundararaman, 1989).…”

Animales E Incas en El Oeste Tinogasteño (Catamarca, Argentina)

“…En particular, esta clase de ácidos grasos ramificados ha sido hallada en caméli-dos sudamericanos que son pseudo-rumiantes (Maier et al 2007;Vázquez et al 2008). Los mismos también fueron detectados en la muestra de grasa de llama analizada en este estudio.…”

Hematita vs. Arcillas: Su Potencial Como Pigmentos Rojos Y Su Uso en Tres Sitios De La Puna Jujeña (Argentina)

“…2). Las pinturas también contenían yeso (carga) y abundante materia orgánica de origen animal (ligante) (Vázquez et al 2008;Yacobaccio et al 2008Yacobaccio et al , 2012. De excavación se obtuvieron 64 fragmentos pigmentantes de colores ocres a rojos oscuros (N ANALIZADO : 8).…”

“…masa permitieron establecer la naturaleza del material usado como ligante (Vázquez 2008;Yacobaccio et al 2008Yacobaccio et al , 2012. Los ácidos grasos identificados en las pinturas de Hor2 apuntan a una grasa animal degradada.…”