This paper offers a broad and critical overview of current discussions on the potential uses
and the characterization of pigments in prehistory, with a special focus on prehistoric rock …

This manuscript seeks to facilitate meta-analysis of cross-disciplinary ochre studies by
advocating for a common vocabulary and clarifying the definition of “ochre” as used by …

The use of mineral pigments, in particular iron-rich rocks, holds significant importance in
understanding the emergence and evolution of human cultures. However, sites that have …

Naturally occurring and deeply coloured iron-bearing materials were exploited very early on
by human populations. The characterization of these materials has proven useful for …

This paper contributes to current debates on the technologies and practices of prehistoric
artists using the rock art site of el Carche (Jalance, Spain) as a case study. The site …

The chemical in situ study of red coloring matter from Paleolithic cave art is challenging
because the same trace elements can be present both in the matter and in the calcitic …

The earliest European carvings, made of mammoth ivory, depict animals, humans, and
anthropomorphs. They are found at Early Aurignacian sites of the Swabian Jura in Germany …

Chemical in situ study of red coloring matter in cave art is challenging because characteristic
trace elements can be present both in the matter and in the wall support, and the latter has a …

Ochre has been found at many Middle Stone Age sites throughout southern Africa. Much
work has been done to document these iron-rich raw materials, their modifications and their …

Ochres are natural deposits particularly enriched in iron oxides and hydroxides giving them
their typical colours spanning from bright red to yellow or brown. For this reason, they have …