Pigment analysis was performed on red, yellow, white, and black aboriginal paintings in the Western Desert of Australia. While in the field, we collected over 200 data sets using a portable XRF (pXRF) spectrometer for elemental analysis.  Then, back in the laboratory, we utilized SEM-EDS, FT-IR, and XRD. Complementary elemental and molecular analyses are useful for understanding pigment composition. Problems with pXRF studies on rock paintings include analysis spot size, thickness of paint, as well as the elemental composition of the rock substrate. We found pXRF to be particularly important in distinguishing between black manganese pigment and charcoal paintings.

Pigment analysis of Australian rock paintings

245th National Meeting (2013)

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