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Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Analytical Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 25441

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maria Perla Colombini

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Interests: chemistry of cultural heritage; analytical procedures; mass spectrometry for art and archaeology; VOCs in Museums and Archives

Prof. Dr. Erika Ribechini

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Universita di Pisa, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 43, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
Interests: archaeological chemistry; organic residue analysis; archaeological wood; chromatography; mass spectrometry; analytical pyrolysis

Dr. Jeannette Jacqueline Łucejko

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Interests: waterlogged archaeological wood; lignocellulosic materials; degradation processes; organic residue analysis; analytical pyrolysis; chromatography; mass spectrometry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The synergy between chemistry and archaeology has rapidly grown in the last few decades, and the chemical investigation of archaeological objects is now considered a powerful tool to deepen the knowledge of the past. Currently, a wide range of analytical techniques is available offering the best tools to solve archaeological problems. This Special Issue will address basic archaeological questions such as: How old is this object? What is the provenance? How have the constituting materials been modified through burial in the ground? What was the original color of the object? What was the diet? What are the natural colorants used for painting, cosmetics and to dye textiles? The application of procedures based on up-to-date multi-analytical techniques (XRD, isotopic analysis, chromatography-mass spectrometry, analytical pyrolysis, FT-IR, Raman, C14 dating, thermoluminescence) and statistical data interpretation will enable us to reliably answer these questions.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original research papers and critical review articles focused on all the above-mentioned aspects of the synergy between chemistry and archaeology.

Prof. Dr. Maria Perla Colombini
Prof. Dr. Erika Ribechini
Dr. Jeannette Jacqueline Łucejko
Guest Editors

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Keywords

chemistry of archaeological materials
organic residue analysis
ceramic analyses
waterlogged wood
isotopic analysis
dating
provenance studies
colors in antiquity

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 9291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Model Iron Gall Ink: An In-Depth Study of Ageing Processes Involving Gallic Acid

by Adele Ferretti, Francesca Sabatini and Ilaria Degano

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8603; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238603 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2988

Abstract

Iron gall inks have been among the most used writing materials after carbon black, thus representing an important element of the historical and artistic heritage of our society. Crucially, the preservation of manuscripts and drawings is influenced by the presence of these inks, leading to conservation issues related to paper degradation and text fading. Besides all the advances obtained in paper conservation, the study of iron gall ink’s behaviour and ageing is still an important topic, which requires investigation through an accurate molecular characterisation to produce reliable models. In the present work a micro-destructive method based on liquid chromatography techniques (HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF) has been optimised starting from a model gallic acid-based ink. An in-depth study of the behaviour of the ink in time was performed by natural and artificial ageing tests, monitored by colorimetry, showing the autoxidation of gallic acid to ellagic acid in the prepared mock-ups. The effect of relative humidity on ageing processes was also evaluated, allowing us to determine different intermediates depending on the environmental conditions. Finally, the analytical method developed was then successfully applied for investigating 19th–20th century historical ink samples, where one of the identified ageing markers was detected, besides the expected gallic and ellagic acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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13 pages, 16420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Analytical Approach on Silver-Copper Coins of the Roman Empire to Elucidate the Economy of the 3rd Century A.D.

by Giovanna Marussi, Matteo Crosera, Enrico Prenesti, Davide Cristofori, Bruno Callegher and Gianpiero Adami

Molecules 2022, 27(20), 6903; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27206903 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1994

Abstract

In this study, 160 silver-copper alloy denarii and antoniniani from the 3rd century A.D. were studied to obtain their overall chemical composition. The approach used for their characterisation is based on a combination of physical, chemical, and chemometric techniques. The aim is to identify and quantify major and trace elements in Roman silver-copper coins in order to assess changes in composition and to confirm the devaluation of the currency. After a first cataloguing step, μ-EDXRF and SEM-EDX techniques were performed to identify the elements on the coins’ surface. A micro-destructive sampling method was employed on a representative sample of the coins to quantify the elements present in the bulk. The powder obtained from drilling 12 coins (keeping the two categories of coins separate) was dissolved in an acidic medium; heated and sonicated to facilitate dissolution; and then analysed by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. The two currencies had different average alloy percentages; in particular, the % difference of Ag was about 8%. The other elements were found in concentrations <1 wt%. Of these, the element highest in concentration were Pb and Sn, which is in agreement with the literature. The multivariate analysis performed on the data acquired revealed two groups of coins, corresponding to the two currencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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12 pages, 2476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Violin Varnishes: Microstructure and Nanomechanical Analysis

by Marianne Odlyha, Jeannette J. Lucejko, Anna Lluveras-Tenorio, Francesca di Girolamo, Stephen Hudziak, Adam Strange, Alexandra Bridarolli, Laurent Bozec and Maria Perla Colombini

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6378; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196378 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2278

Abstract

The aim of the current work is twofold: to demonstrate the application of in situ non-invasive imaging by portable atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the surfaces of a violin and to integrate compositional and mechanical analysis at the nano scale level on model samples of varnished wood. These samples were prepared according to traditional recipes by an Italian lute-maker family well practised in the art. Samples of oil and spirit-based varnishes on maple wood, naturally and accelerated light aged, were studied. AFM was used to measure the nanomechanical properties of the model samples and established that the spirit-based varnish was stiffer than the oil-based. Synchrotron radiation micro- Fourier Transform Infra-red analysis of the layer structure revealed that stiffer spirit-based varnish showed less penetration into the wood than the oil-based. Further PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (QNM) demonstrated a difference in adhesion values between the oil- and spirit-based samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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15 pages, 3112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Mine Wooden Artefacts: Multianalytical Investigations for the Selection of Appropriate Consolidation Treatments

by Mariusz Fejfer, Jeannette Jacqueline Łucejko, Beata Miazga, Emma Cantisani and Magdalena Zborowska

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5228; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165228 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1460

Abstract

Environmental conditions present in mines generally are very favourable to decay; high temperature, high humidity, variable oxygen content, numerous metal-wood connections and the presence of a high content of inorganic compounds typical of mines have a significant impact on the biotic and abiotic degradation factors. The state of conservation of wooden artefacts from the Złoty Stok (Poland) gold mine was investigated using a multi-analytical approach. The aim was to select the conservation treatments that would stop decay and improve the conditions and dimensional stability of the wood. FT-IR and Py-GC/MS were used to assess the state of preservation of lignocellulosic material. ED-XRF and SEM-EDS were used to determine—and XRD to identify crystalline phases—salts and minerals in the wood structure or efflorescence on the surface. Highly degraded lignocellulosic material that had undergone depolymerisation and oxidation was found to be severely contaminated by iron-based mineral substances, mainly pyrite, and in some cases greigite and magnetite. The presence of inorganic salts made it difficult to choose the best consolidating material to reduce the level of decay and improve the dimensional stability of the wood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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12 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Secret Recipe Revealed: Chemical Evaluation of Raw Colouring Mixtures from Early 19th Century Moravia

by Klára Jagošová, Martin Moník, Jaroslav Kapusta, Radka Pechancová, Jana Nádvorníková, Pavel Fojtík, Ondřej Kurka, Tereza Závodná, Petr Bednář, Lukáš Richtera and Lukáš Kučera

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5205; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165205 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

An archaeological excavation in Prostějov (Czech Republic) revealed a workshop of a local potter with colourless, pink, and blue powders presumably used to produce faience/surface decoration. A comprehensive analytical study, which combined elemental and molecular analysis techniques, was performed to shed light on the chemical composition of these unique findings. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM EDX), inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS), flow injection analysis (FIA) with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI MS), laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (LDI MS), and Raman spectroscopy were applied to reveal the elemental composition of the powders and identify the colouring agents in the pink and blue powders. The colouring agents in the pink powder were probably iron and the agent in the blue powder is Prussian blue. On top of that, it was also possible to determine the organic additives in these powders through pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Py GC/MS), atmospheric solids analysis probe ion mobility mass spectrometry (ASAP IM MS), and LDI MS. The organic constituents were identified as plant resin, beeswax, and fats. These results point to the preparation of faience/pigment mixtures as oil paint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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24 pages, 11309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Found in the Folds: A Rediscovery of Ancient Egyptian Pleated Textiles and the Analysis of Carbohydrate Coatings

by Jennifer Poulin, Chris Paulocik and Margaret-Ashley Veall

Molecules 2022, 27(13), 4103; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134103 - 25 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2289

Abstract

Charles T. Currelly, first director of the Royal Ontario Museum, participated in excavations of the tomb of King Nebhepetre, now known as Mentuhotep II, (Dynasty XI) in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt in 1906. He brought to Canada many objects from the excavations, and objects that he purchased while in Egypt; these formed the initial collection of the museum. Among the objects were seven fragments of fine linen cloth with intricate pleat patterns. Recently, the cloths became the subject of a study to learn how they had retained their pleats for 4000 years. Samples were examined and analysed using polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three of the cloths were likely fragments of clothing re-purposed as bandages and were found to be saturated in mummification balms composed of Pinaceae resin, Pistacia resin, and an essential oil characterised by a high abundance of cedrol, possibly originating from a juniper species. All seven of the cloths were found to have traces of polysaccharides from two probable sources: an arabinogalactan gum such as gum arabic or a fruit gum, and a polyglucoside, possibly starch. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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16 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Modification of Biomarkers through Accelerated Degradation: Implications for Ancient Plant Identification in Archaeo-Organic Residues

by Barbara Huber, Daniel Giddings Vassão, Patrick Roberts, Yiming V. Wang and Thomas Larsen

Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3331; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103331 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3745

Abstract

Biochemical and biomolecular archaeology is increasingly used to elucidate the consumption, use, origin, and trade of plants in the past. However, it can be challenging to use biomarkers to identify the taxonomic origin of archaeological plants due to limited knowledge of molecular survival and degradation for many key plant compounds in archaeological contexts. To gain a fundamental understanding of the chemical alterations associated with chemical degradation processes in ancient samples, we conducted accelerated degradation experiments with essential oil derived from cedar (Cedrus atlantica) exposed to materials commonly found in the archaeological record. Using GC-MS and multivariate analysis, we detected a total of 102 compounds across 19 treatments that were classified into three groups. The first group comprised compounds that were abundant in fresh cedar oil but would be unlikely to remain in ancient residues due to rapid degradation. The second group consisted of compounds that remained relatively stable or increased over time, which could be potential biomarkers for identifying cedar in archaeological residues. Compounds in the third group were absent in fresh cedar oil but were formed during specific experiments that could be indicative for certain storage conditions. These results show that caution is warranted for applying biomolecular profiles of fresh plants to ancient samples and that carefully designed accelerated degradation experiments can, at least in part, overcome this limitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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15 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Hydrodynamic Study on Non-Aqueous Soluble Archaeological Wood Consolidants: Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH Siloxanes

by Michelle Cutajar, Robert A. Stockman, Susan Braovac, Calin Constantin Steindal, Angeliki Zisi and Stephen E. Harding

Molecules 2022, 27(7), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072133 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH both have a demonstrable ability as consolidants for archaeological wood. This makes them both potential treatment options for the Oseberg collection, which is one of the most important archaeological finds from the Viking era. Both Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH are soluble in organic solvents, offering a useful alternative to aqueous-based consolidants. Extensive characterisation studies were carried out on both of these polymers, with the use of analytical ultracentrifugation and viscometry, for the benefit of conservators wanting to know more about the physical properties of these materials. Short column sedimentation equilibrium analysis using SEDFIT-MSTAR revealed a weight-average molar mass (weight-average molecular weight) M_w of (54.0 ± 1.5) kDa (kg · mol⁻¹) for Butvar B-98, while four samples of PDMS-OH siloxanes (each with a different molar mass) had an M_w of (52.5 ± 3.0) kDa, (38.8 ± 1.5) kDa, (6.2 ± 0.7) kDa and (1.6 ± 0.1) kDa. Sedimentation velocity confirmed that all polymers were heterogeneous, with a wide range of molar masses. All molecular species showed considerable conformational asymmetry from measurements of intrinsic viscosity, which would facilitate networking interactions as consolidants. It is anticipated that the accumulated data on these two consolidants will enable conservators to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing which treatment to administer to archaeological artefacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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22 pages, 19661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rethinking the Process of Animal Mummification in Ancient Egypt: Molecular Characterization of Embalming Material and the Use of Brassicaceae Seed Oil in the Mummification of Gazelle Mummies from Kom Mereh, Egypt

by Milan Marković, Elodie Mezzatesta, Stéphanie Porcier, Cathy Vieillescazes and Carole Mathe

Molecules 2022, 27(5), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051532 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4488

Abstract

The study of animal mummification in ancient Egypt has recently received increasing attention from a number of modern scholars given the fact that this part of ancient Egyptian funerary and religious history is a practice yet to be fully understood. In this study, nine samples of embalming matter were extracted from six gazelle mummies from the archaeological site of Kom Mereh (modern village of Komir), dated to the Roman period of dominance in ancient Egypt. All samples were analyzed for the presence of inorganic and organic matter applying a multi-analytical approach based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in order to identify more specific compounds such as bitumen and beeswax in studied balms, each sample was subjected to a solid phase extraction (SPE) and saponification separation process, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the majority of the analyzed embalming substances sampled from six gazelle mummies from Kom Mereh were complex mixtures of plant oils, animal fats, conifer resin, and beeswax. In this regard, this study was able to report a practice until now unmentioned in the scientific literature, namely, the use of cruciferous oil, derived from seeds of Brassicaceae plants, in animal mummification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry and Archaeology: A Unique System to Inquire the Past)

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