Publication: Ancient biodeterioration: An FT-Raman spectroscopic study of mammoth and elephant ivory
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Issued Date
2005-10-01
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ISSN
16182650
16182642
16182642
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2-s2.0-27144474603
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol.383, No.4 (2005), 713-720
Suggested Citation
Howell G.M. Edwards, Susana E. Jorge Villar, Nik F. Nik Hassan, Nlin Arya, Sonia O'Connor, Donna M. Charlton Ancient biodeterioration: An FT-Raman spectroscopic study of mammoth and elephant ivory. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Vol.383, No.4 (2005), 713-720. doi:10.1007/s00216-005-0011-z Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/16290
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Title
Ancient biodeterioration: An FT-Raman spectroscopic study of mammoth and elephant ivory
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Abstract
Raman spectra of mammoth ivory specimens have been recorded using near-infrared excitation, and comparisons made with modern Asian and African elephant ivories. Whereas the most ancient mammoth ivory (60-65 ky) showed no evidence for an organic collagen component, more recent samples of mammoth ivory indicated that some preservation had occurred, although with biodeterioration of the protein structure exhibited by the amide I and III bands in the 1200-1700 cm-1region of the Raman spectrum. The consequent difficulties encountered when applying chemometrics methods to ancient ivory analysis (which are successful for modern specimens) are noted. In the most ancient mammoth ivory specimens, which are extensively fragmented, evidence of mineralization is seen, with the production of gypsum, calcite and limonite; Raman microscopic analysis of crystalline material inside the fissures of the mammoth ivory shows the presence of gypsum as well as cyanobacterial colonisation. The application of Raman spectroscopy to the nondestructive analysis of archaeological materials in order to gain information of relevance to their preservation or restoration is highlighted. © Springer-Verlag 2005.