ELEMENTAL CHARACTERISATION OF PRE-HISPANIC ROCK ART AND ARSENIC IN NORTHERN CHILE

Abstract

We present results of elemental physicochemical characterisation (by SEM-EDX) from two rock painting sites in northern Chile, Tangani and Vilacaurani. Different pigments have been identified, specifically iron and manganese oxides, commonly found worldwide. The presence of minor elements, such as arsenic, is also observed. Analysis of possible sources (by ED-XRF) enables us to infer that arsenic came from water used as a possible diluent. These results bring new information about the paint technologies developed by the pre-Hispanic peoples in northern Chile.