Deconstructing Rock Art – An Experimental Approach to the Application of Portable Analytical Instrumentation to Applied Pigments at Pleito, South-Central California

Summary

The composition of background substrate, overpainted layers and admixtures can influence the data acquired from portable instrumentation at rock art sites. An understanding of the extent and impact of this influence is crucial when comparing in situ rock art pigments with potential source materials. This study uses an experimental process to assess the impact of factors such as a pigment thickness, overpainting, and addition of organic binders on the readings acquired using portable instrumentation including pXRF, Raman and FTIR. Approximately 150 samples collected from potential pigment sources in South Central California, are used to form experimental paints, as well as forming a comparative collection. In addition to these mineral sources various fats, plant gums and resins are tested. The aim is to establish a method to compensate for the background and overpainting effects. This method is considered a means to identify pigments and binders in situ and compare these between panels and with potential source materials. This experimental work forms part of the Gordian Knot Project based at the polychrome rock art site of Pleito and the results are applied to compare pigments at this site between panels and with potential sources.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20234