Can the Raman spectrum of anatase in artwork and archaeology be used for dating purposes? Identification by Raman microscopy of anatase in decorative coatings on Neolithic (Yangshao) pottery from Henan, China
Robin J. H. Clark|Quanyu Wang|Andreia M. Correia
Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis has earlier shown that the white background layer (slip) on painted pottery sherds (Yangshao culture, Henan, China, 4200 BC) is composed of kaolinitic clay containing titanium in assumed form TiO2 at just 1 wt%. The same samples slip have now been studied by Raman microscopy, revealing bands characteristic anatase, but none from majority species, matrix clay. These results highlight extraordinarily intense scattering even trace amounts anatase and thus need to recognise that, although colours archaeological artefacts are almost always determined nature matrix, spectrum may be a highly component such as anatase. significance potential date-marker pigment works art discussed.
Journal of Archaeological Science