Lead and Zinc Pigmented Mural Paint

Discovering Ancient Technologies at Lowry Pueblo Great House in Southwest Colorado

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7897256
AutoresM W Rowe (0000-0001-9704-287X, Museum of New Mexico), Marie D Desrochers (Conway School of Landscape Design), Karen L Steelman (0000-0003-3418-3645, autor de correspondencia)
Año2022
Volumen88
Número4
Páginas408-428
Fecha de publicación2022-10-02
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaKIVA (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0023-1940 • E-ISSN: 2051-6177
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00231940.2022.2103902
OpenAlexW4292185442
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas24

At Lowry Pueblo, small fragments of painted plaster are all that remain of a bold white step pattern mural that once decorated Kivas A and B. We used the following analytical techniques to study these fragments: visual microscopic analysis, portable X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, powder X-ray diffraction, and radiocarbon dating. We identified zinc oxide and lead sulfate pigment minerals in the glossy white paint, whereas calcium carbonate was identified as the pigment for the matte white paint. Radiocarbon dating of a lead layer places mural production at 1030–1210 cal A.D., consistent with occupation at Lowry Pueblo Great House. Stratigraphic analyses of the painted plaster layers reveals that underlying glossy white paint was applied before the ultimate matte white layer. The change in pigment source and paint recipes demonstrate a design-modifying choice made by the kiva painters

Archaeological science · Archaeology · Art · Geography · Mineralogy · Mural · Painting · Radiocarbon dating · Visual arts · White (mutation) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Chemistry · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · Geology