Combined FT-Raman spectroscopic and mass spectrometric study of ancient Egyptian sarcophagal fragments.
The application of combined Raman spectroscopic and GC-MS analytical techniques for the characterisation of organic varnish residues from Egyptian Dynastic funerary sarcophagal and cartonnage fragments from the Graeco-Roman period, ca. 2200 BP, is described. The nondestructive use of Raman spectroscopy was initially employed to derive information about the specific location of organic material on the specimens, which were then targeted in specific areas using minimal sampling for GC-MS analysis. In the case of the sarcophagal fragment, a degraded yellow-brown surface treatment was identified as a Pistacia spp. resin; this provides additional evidence for the use of this resin, which has previously been identified in Canaanite transport amphorae, varnishes and "incense" bowls in an Egyptian Late Bronze Age archaeological context. The cartonnage fragment also contained an organic coating for which the Raman spectrum indicated a degradation that was too severe to facilitate identification, but the GC-MS data revealed that it was composed of a complex mixture of fatty acid residues. The combined use of GC-MS and Raman spectroscopy for the characterisation of organic materials in an archaeological context is advocated for minimisation of sampling and restriction to specifically identified targets for museum archival specimens.
Edwards
Howell G M
HG
Chemical and Forensic Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK. h.g.m.edwards@bradford.ac.uk
Stern
Ben
B
Villar
Susana E Jorge
SE
David
A Rosalie
AR
D001106:Archaeology / Q000379:methods*; D000076144:Egypt, Ancient; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D049690:History, Ancient; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods
D005227:Fatty Acids; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012116:Resins, Plant