Analysis of rock art painting and technology of Palaeolithic painters

Abstract

Archaeologists have attempted the interpretation of rock art, but have oftendisregarded the technical aspects of paints. Analysing paint samples forpreparation techniques and studying the various compounds used, allows us todetermine the technology of early painters. Palaeolithic artists used two maincolours: red (iron oxide: natural hematite or heated goethite) and black (charcoalor manganese oxides). These pigments could be prepared in different ways(grinding, mixing with extender and/or binder or by heating) in order to enhancethe properties of the paints. Analyses attempt to determine the physicochemicalnature of the matter and its preparation mode, and to get an idea of itsgeographic origin. This paper presents techniques and methods used in theC2RMF laboratory for manganese oxide pigments. Distinction betweenmanganese oxides with or without other cations is made and heat treatment ofmanganese oxide minerals is described. Results obtained for black pigment inLascaux and Ekain caves are presented and discussed. From paint analyses,several conclusions are drawn concerning the technical level of Palaeolithic artists.