Raman microscopic investigation of paint samples from the Rosalila building, Copan, Honduras

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to the study of multiple layered wall paints from the Rosalila temple, Copan, Honduras, which dates to the Middle Classic period (A.D. 520 to 655). Samples of red, green and grey paint and a thick white overcoating were analysed. The paint pigments have been iden...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Raman spectroscopy 2006-10, Vol.37 (10), p.1072-1077
Main Authors: Goodall, Rosemary A., Hall, Jay, Viel, Rene, Ricardo Agurcia, F., Edwards, Howell G. M., Fredericks, Peter M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
archaeology
Carbon
Copan
Earth
Infrared spectroscopy
Maya
Mica
Pigments
Raman microscopy
Raman spectroscopy
Rosalila
stucco
Walls
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Summary:Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to the study of multiple layered wall paints from the Rosalila temple, Copan, Honduras, which dates to the Middle Classic period (A.D. 520 to 655). Samples of red, green and grey paint and a thick white overcoating were analysed. The paint pigments have been identified as hematite, celadonite or green earth and a combined carbon/mica mixture. By combining Raman spectroscopy with micro‐ATR infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), a detailed study has been made of the materials and processes used to make the stucco and paints. The use of green earth as a green pigment on Maya buildings has not been reported before. The combination of carbon and muscovite mica to create a reflective paint is also a novel finding. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0377-0486
1097-4555
DOI:10.1002/jrs.1606