Integrating Portable Spectroscopy into Rock Art Investigations

Author(s): Matthew Baker; Clare Bedford; David Robinson

Year: 2018

Summary

Molecular spectroscopy is an information rich technique that is rapid, non-destructive and easy to operate. These qualities combined with a mature market in handheld spectrometers makes molecular spectroscopy an ideal technique for on-site analysis which is suitable for austere environments.

This paper will discuss the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy to in the Gordian knot project based upon the Californian polychrome rock art site Pleito in order to provide a deeper understanding of the pigments and binders used in creating Pleito. We will show strategies and results from a survey of Pleito highlighting opportunities for data analysis (e.g. multivariate analysis) and future data fusion of techniques to provide greater understanding of Rock Art processes and procedures

Cite this Record

Integrating Portable Spectroscopy into Rock Art Investigations. Matthew Baker, Clare Bedford, David Robinson. Presented at The 82nd Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Washington, DC. 2018 ( tDAR id: 444689)

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Spatial Coverage

min long: -124.189; min lat: 31.803 ; max long: -105.469; max lat: 43.58 ;

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20620