Colour in context. Pigments and other coloured residues from the Early-Middle Holocene site of Takarkori (SW Libya)

摘要: We present the multidisciplinary investigation of pigments and artefacts with traces colour from Early-Middle Holocene site Takarkori, located in Tadrart Acacus Mountains (central Sahara, SW Libya). Here, geological, archaeological, taphonomic chemical studies (Raman, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray powder diffraction, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) are used to examine a vast range (raw materials, grinding stones, painted items, as well lithic, bone, wooden ceramic tools) equally distributed Late contexts related hunter-gatherers (ca. 8900–7400 uncal years bp) pastoral groups 7400–4500 bp). The exploited minerals (goethite, hematite, kaolinite jarosite, among others) locally procured processed using quartzarenite stones different shapes sizes. Thermal treatment is also suggested by diffraction (XRD) Raman studies. Gas spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses show addition lipid binder small lumps order obtain sticky product. Their fatty acid distribution differs residues on pointing specific use these lumps. have been crush pulverize base for preparation. A sample fallen slab referable late phases shows presence binder, chemically identified casein. Taken together, evidence collected at Takarkori conveys suggest an articulated chaine operatoire, not only directed towards preparation parietal rock art but other non-utilitarian functions, such body care ornamentation decoration artefacts.