Multi-instrumental characterization of two red pigments in funerary archaeological contexts from northern Chile

Analysis of two archaeological red pigments from two cities in northern Chile, Calama (Calama sample) and Iquique (Iquique sample) are reported in the current work. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) were used for structural studies. Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) was the main component of the red color in both pigments. These are the first results reported for both sampled areas, helping thus to clarify the Calama funeral rites and the raw materials used for Chinchorro mummification in the Iquique region. The characterization of the raw materials provides information for future studies focused on hematite mining processes.