Pigment characterisation in Australian rock art: a review of modern instrumental methods of analysis

B H Stuart,P S Thomas

doi:10.1186/s40494-017-0123-8

Abstract

The many thousands of Aboriginal rock art sites extending across Australia represent an important cultural record. The styles and materials used to produce such art are of great interest to archaeologists and those concerned with the protection of these significant works. Through an analysis of the mineral pigments utilised in Australian rock art, insight into the age of paintings and practices employed by artists can be gained. In recent years, there has been an expansion in the use of modern analytical techniques to investigate rock art pigments and this paper provides a review of the application of such techniques to Australian sites. The types of archaeological information that may be extracted via chemical analysis of specimens collected from or at rock art sites across the country are discussed. A review of the applicability of the techniques used for elemental analysis and structural characterisation of rock art pigments is provided and how future technological developments will influence the discipline is investigated.

Highlights

The rock art that exists in many parts of the world reflects human behaviour, relationships and experiences and can date back to prehistoric times
This paper provides a review of recent studies where analytical techniques have been applied to pigments from rock art sites located in different regions of Australia
The significant finding was a high concentration of lead in a black painted motif, indicating that black pigments obtained from local mineral sources could be eliminated based on the elemental composition—charcoal and manganese oxide have been previously observed in western Arnhem Land rock art

Summary

Introduction

The rock art that exists in many parts of the world reflects human behaviour, relationships and experiences and can date back to prehistoric times. In addition to chronological information, the analysis of rock art pigments can provide insight into production methods, a link between a painting and a source. This paper provides a review of recent studies where analytical techniques have been applied to pigments from rock art sites located in different regions of Australia.

Results

Conclusion