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Combined technique analysis of the composition of Punic make-up materials

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Abstract

Ten archaeological Punic make-up samples from Tunisia dating from the 4th to the 1st centuries BC were analysed by several techniques including Raman microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction in order to determine their compositions. Eight samples were red and found to contain either quartz and cinnabar or quartz and haematite. The remaining two samples were pink, the main diffracting phase in them being quartz. Examination of these two samples by optical microscopy and by illumination under a UV lamp suggest that the pink dye is madder. These findings reveal the identities of the materials used by Carthaginians for cosmetic and/or ritual make-up purposes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-38002, USA

    A. Huq & P.W. Stephens

  2. Centre Urbain Nord, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées et de la Technologie, BP 676, 1080, Tunis, Tunisia

    N. Ayed & H. Binous

  3. Science Section, Conservation Department, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, SW7 2RL, UK

    L. Burgio

  4. Christopher Ingold Laboratories, University College London, 20 Gordon St., London, WC1H 0AJ, UK

    L. Burgio & R.J.H. Clark

  5. CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory, Keckwick Lane, Warrington, WA4 4AD, UK

    E. Pantos

Authors
  1. A. Huq
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  2. P.W. Stephens
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  3. N. Ayed
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  4. H. Binous
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  5. L. Burgio
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  6. R.J.H. Clark
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  7. E. Pantos
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. Burgio.

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PACS

82.80.Gk; 61.10.Nz; 41.60Ap

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Huq, A., Stephens, P., Ayed, N. et al. Combined technique analysis of the composition of Punic make-up materials. Appl. Phys. A 83, 253–256 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3518-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3518-z

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