Raman spectroscopic analysis of the Maya wall paintings in Ek'Balam, Mexico

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2005 Aug;61(10):2349-56. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2005.02.034.

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy has been applied to the examination of wall painting fragments from the archaeological site of Ek'Balam (Yucatán, Mexico). Thirty-three samples have been studied, all originating from room 23 of the Acropolis, and being representative of the painting technique at Ek'Balam during the late Classic Maya period. Several pigments such as haematite, calcite, carbon, cinnabar and indigo were identified in these samples. The latter pigment was presumed to be present as 'Maya blue', which is an intercalation product of indigo and palygorskite clay. The observed Raman spectra are reported and some band assignments have been made. This survey is the first Raman spectroscopic examination of a whole set of pigments in archaeological Maya wall painting fragments.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Housing / history
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / history
  • Mexico
  • Paint / history*
  • Paintings / history*
  • Pigments, Biological / history*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman* / methods

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological