Colors and dyes of archaeological textiles from Tarapacá in the Atacama Desert (South Central Andes)

Abstract This work concerns the study of colors and dyes identified on archaeological textiles from Atacama Desert. The different garments ornaments come excavation two important pre-Columbian cemeteries Tarapacá region: Tarapacá-40 attributed to Formative period (1100 BC–660 AD) Pica-8 Late Intermediate (900–1450 AD). For first time, a multi-analytical approach with non-invasive techniques using FORS SERS was applied samples less than 2 cm length for physicochemical characterization raw materials employed in textile production northern Chile. fibers are animal origin. Blue, green, yellow as indigo, but we cannot discard mixture other vary hue shade; while carminic acid alizarin—to lesser extent—are found red, orange, brown samples. research provides new elements discussion about technology developed this desertic region, its changes, continuities along history. Our results compared recent findings neighboring regions South-Central Andes, improve current knowledge discuss existence dyeing cultural traditions.