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Subject and Keywords:

SEM/EDS ; Raman micro-spectroscopy ; framboidal pyrite ; Late Palaeolithic ; elk antler ; archaeology

Abstract:

Samples extracted from the surface of the Late Palaeolithic object made of elkantler with a surface featuring dark grey and black streaks and stains were submittedfor SEM/EDS analysis. The non-invasive method of Raman spectroscopy was used topreserve the integrity of the artefact. The aim of the studies was identifying the substanceresponsible for the stains and elucidating their origin. Substances and processes takeninto account included surface treatment of the object’s surface with organic acids andtannins, staining by organic pigments, an organic material holder (sheath), decomposingorganic remains, or ashes from fires. The dark grey and black stains were identified byanalysis as concentrations of framboidal pyrite. No evidence was found that the originof these concentrations is other than natural.