Multi-Analytical Characterization of Rupestrian Precolonial Paintings of Inhuma, Piauí, Brazil

The chemical-mineralogical characterization of rupestrian paintings in red, white, black and yellow colors, which decorate the rocky walls from archaeological sites Ema Furna dos Índios (Inhuma, Piauí, Brazil) was performed. chemical analyses were performed situ by non-invasive analytical technique X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) as well laboratory using a non-destructive approach, without previous sample preparation, Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. results, when together, allowed unequivocal identification main substances responsible for color pigments, namely, hematite (red pigment), gypsum (white amorphous carbon charcoal (black pigment) goethite (yellow pigment).