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

Abstract

The micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to identify manganese oxides, pyrolusite, manganite and cryptomelane in archaeological sites in northern Atacama Desert, Chile. The present micro-Raman data allow us to compare and expand the origins of raw materials used by archaic groups of the Atacama Desert. In the Andean highlands, pyrolusite and manganite were identified while in the coastal lowlands manganite and cryptomelane were found. The present results complement the data obtained from the lithic materials and rock art painting analyses pointing to a better understanding of the daily life of ancient populations and minerals use in this region. Black pigments found in three archaeological sites from northern Chile. Two of them are from the highlands: Tangani (Ta-1 and Ta-14) and one from the coast, Maderas Enco (Ari-26 and Ari-27). Raman spectra of different manganese oxides a) Ta-1, b) Ta-14, c) Ari-26 and d) Ari-27.