Toward the Classification of Colorants in Archaeological Textiles of Eastern North America

摘要

Due to degradation in archaeological contexts of eastern North America, the few textiles that have been recovered are discolored brown or black; some are green due to mineralization. The original coloration goes unrecognized A protocol was developed to classify colorants used in these materials that is minimally destructive, and includes forensic photography, optical microscopy of strategically sampled fibers, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. Because ultraviolet reflected/fluorescent and infrared photography capture differences in chemical composition that cannot necessarily be seen by the unaided eye, purposive sampling is facilitated. Observed under the optical microscope, thoroughly saturated color in the fibers is indicative of dyeing in comparison to surface deposited pigment. Elemental composition of fibers and surface particulate can be correlated to potential mineral or organic colorant sources, as well as reflects fiber mineralization.