Raman spectroscopic analysis of pigments and substrata in prehistoric rockart

The application of Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of pigments in samples of prehistoric cave art is reported. Despite the limita tions of a restricted colour palette used by the artists, the nondestructiv e identification of natural mineral pigments is accomplished and the unique information provided by the Raman technique is highlighted. The observed d eterioration in cave art sites caused by local environmental, biochemical a nd geochemical changes is a cause for concern among conservationists and hi storians; the role of Raman spectroscopy in the identification of chemical products of biodeterioration, in particular, can assist in the elucidation of agencies which may be responsible for site instability. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.