NIR-FT Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic probe for mummified skin and nails

Raman spectroscopy is able to provide novel information non-destructively in the analysis of ancient skin tissue samples. The technique is well-suited to partially desiccated or wet samples of skin, which may have been subjected to varying degrees of degradation, depending on the burial environment. Suitable selection of wavelength of excitation and use of a Raman microscope offer a means of accessing information from small samples, which may be required for study afterwards using destructive analytical methods. From comparisons with the Raman spectra of healthy and diseased contemporary skin specimens, it is possible to discover whether the skin preservation has been natural or assisted by chemicals used in mummification processes. Such information is of importance in archaeological conservation and can shed light on historical practices. In this study will be presented the results from Raman spectroscopic analysis of the skin of the 5200-year-old "iceman" of the Alps and, skin and nail samples from the mediaeval Qilakitsoq ice-mummies (500-year-old) and skin from the hot-desert Chiribaya Mummies (1000-year-old). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.