Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Fluorescence in Molecular Analysis of Yellow Blocks From the Archeological Site Playa Miller 7 (Northern Chile)

Abstract

Yellow blocks from the archaeological site Playa Miller 7 (PLM7), on the coast of Atacama Desert in northern Chile, were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) portable. Our results identify for the first time the use of K-jarosite and natrojarosite in prehispanic times (approx. 2500 year BP). In search of a possible source of supply for this mineral hydrothermal origin, our surveys were focused on Andean geothermal areas with identification, so far, from a single source in the region of Arica and Parinacota: Jurasi (JU), located at 4000 mamsl. Comparison of the Raman spectra between samples archaeological and Jurasi, allow us to infer that this hydrothermal source could be used as obtaining source of yellow pigment by prehispanic inhabitant of Formative period (3700-1500 years B.P.).

Micro-Raman spectral identification of manganese oxides black pigments in an archaeological context in Northern Chile

“…Different manganese oxides in various archaeological contexts were identified by using Raman spectroscopy [9]. This technique is a recognized power tool for the analysis of archaeological objects [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. It is a noninvasive and non-destructive technique, displaying high specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility [12,22].…”

Pigmentos Y Pinturas De Mineral De Cobre en La Región De Tarapacá, Norte De Chile: Nuevos Datos Para Una Tecnología Pigmentaria Prehispánica

“…Las muestras de pigmento de Chunchuri y del cementerio Los Abuelos de Caspana también fueron atribuidas a este lapso temporal (Uhle 1912-1913y Núñez 1966Ayala et al 1999, respectivamente) confirmando que la mayor cantidad 2013; Sepúlveda et al 2014), bloques de colores del sitio Playa Miller 7 (Sepúlveda et al 2013b), y materias colorantes ferruginosas procedentes de sitios mineros (San Ramón 15) y habitacionales del período Arcaico Temprano, Medio y Tardío de la costa de Taltal (Salazar et al 2011a;Coquinot y Salomon 2013. En relación con pinturas rupestres han sido realizados estudios, de norte a sur, en la precordillera de Arica en el extremo norte de Chile ) y la cuenca del río Loa (Helwig y Wainwright 1999; Sepúlveda et al 2010aSepúlveda et al y 2010bGallardo et al 2012).…”

Multi-Instrumental Identification of Orpiment in Archaeological Mortuary Contexts

“…Whether they were using this pigment for painting ornaments, ceramics, and body decorations or for medicinal purposes is a question to investigate in future studies. We know colourful pigments (manganese, iron) and funerary behaviour have been reported for the Chinchorro Culture and for rock art in northern Chile [28][29][30][31][32] . This new evidence suggests that ancient populations were familiar with several pigments that are beautiful but some dangerous to human health [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] .…”