Andreas Hauptmann, Sabine Klein, Richard Zettler, Ursula Baumer, Patrick Dietemann

On the Making and Provenancing of Pigments from the Early Dynastic Royal Tombs of Ur, Mesopotamia

Introduction

On the making and provenancing of pigments from the early dynastic royal tombs of ur, mesopotamia. Uncover the making and provenance of 50 pigments from Ur's Royal Tombs, Mesopotamia. Analyze mineral & organic composition (green, black, white, red) and origins from Oman, Iran, Anatolia.

Abstract

A total of 50 cosmetic pigments from the Royal Cemetery of the Sumerian city of Ur, Mesopotamia, now in the collections of the Penn  Museum, Philadelphia, were investigated for their mineralogical, inorganic, organic and lead isotope composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the making of the pigments and to search for the origin of the material used. Main components of the green pigments were green secondary copper minerals mixed with white hydroxyapatite from bones. Copper acetates and formic acids were detected and the formation of verdigris is discussed. Black pigments mostly consist of black manganese minerals. White pigments were made of oxidized white lead minerals, while in red pigments hematite was detected. Vegetable oil or animal fats were detected in a majority of the pigment samples analyzed, and it appears that the pigments were smoothly smeared into the (shell) containers as a  paste, but the modern conservation of the pigments and decomposition of the organics hinders a clear identification of the original  organic components. Chemical and lead isotope analyses point to a provenance of the coloring minerals from ore deposits in Oman,  on the Iranian Plateau and in southeast Anatolia.

Review

The study "On the Making and Provenancing of Pigments from the Early Dynastic Royal Tombs of Ur, Mesopotamia" presents a comprehensive archaeometric investigation into 50 cosmetic pigments from the significant archaeological site of the Royal Cemetery of Ur. Housed at the Penn Museum, these artifacts offer a rare window into ancient Sumerian material culture and technological capabilities. The authors meticulously employ a suite of analytical techniques, including mineralogical, inorganic, organic, and lead isotope composition analyses, to achieve their dual objectives: understanding pigment manufacturing processes and tracing the geographical origins of the raw materials. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for elucidating both the technical sophistication and the extensive trade networks of the Early Dynastic period. The research yields detailed insights into the specific formulations of these ancient cosmetics. Green pigments were identified as mixtures of secondary copper minerals with hydroxyapatite from bone, with evidence suggesting the deliberate formation of verdigris (copper acetates and formic acids). Black pigments were predominantly manganese-based, white pigments comprised oxidized white lead minerals, and red pigments were characterized by hematite. Crucially, the detection of vegetable oil or animal fats in a majority of samples strongly indicates their application as a smooth paste within containers, although the precise identification of the original organic components was hampered by modern conservation and decomposition. Beyond composition, the study's most significant contribution lies in its provenance analysis; chemical and lead isotope data compellingly point to sources in Oman, the Iranian Plateau, and southeast Anatolia, revealing extensive long-distance trade routes for these valuable materials. Overall, this paper represents a significant contribution to the fields of archaeometry, ancient technology, and Near Eastern archaeology. The rigorous analytical methodology provides robust evidence for the sophisticated knowledge of material science possessed by the inhabitants of Ur, particularly in the creation of complex pigment mixtures. The clear identification of distinct mineral sources for different colors, supported by lead isotope analysis, dramatically enhances our understanding of the economic and political geographies of the Early Dynastic period, demonstrating far-reaching supply chains for essential and luxury goods. This meticulously executed study not only illuminates the practicalities of ancient cosmetic production but also offers invaluable data for reconstructing trade networks and cultural exchange in Mesopotamia. It is a highly commendable piece of research that sets a new standard for investigating such material.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.