Analysis of pigments and coverings by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro Raman spectroscopy (MRS) in the cemetery of Tutugi (Galera, Granada, Spain) and the settlement convento 2 (Montemayor, Córdoba, Spain)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the identification of the composition of the coverings and pigments of two archaeological sites. The sites researched here lie in Andalusia and show two contexts, which have a highly symbolic and ritual meaning. The first, Convento 2 (Montemayor, Córdoba), dates back to the period of formation of the Iberian Culture (VIIth century b.c.). The second is the cemetery of Tutugi (Galera, Granada), of the mid-Iberian period (IVth century b.c.). The analytical procedure consisted in combined and complementary use of XRD and MRS. This allowed to identify the materials used, namely hematite, goethite, coal, gypsum and calcite. Identification of these materials proves essential for the restoration and musealization of both archaeological sites.