A technical art analysis of objects from the Western African collection at the Frank Museum of Art at Otterbein University (Westerville, Ohio) was executed through portable X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, widefield fluorescence microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used in order to identify the dyes used in these objects. Since little is known about the materials used in the Western African collection, the characterization of the surface may help better understand the historical aspects and origins of the objects. The development of the methods, including optimization and sample preparation, as well as the discussion of specific findings for these Western African artifacts will be discussed in this presentation.

Characterization of materials in Western African artifacts

2019 Spring National Meeting

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