Southern Je engravings at Morro do Avencal: Preliminary archaeometrical analysis and interpretation of a rock shelter in Southern Brazil

This paper presents an archaeometric analysis of pigment samples collected into petroglyphs from Morro do Avencal, a rock shelter located in the highlands of southern Brazilian plateau. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscope associated with elemental analysis by Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) identified the use of charcoal and beeswax as pigments (painting) in the petroglyphs. Traces of chalk were also identified, relating to photographic enhancing used to highlight discrete engravings in former studies. Control samples have been used to distinguish the mineralogical composition of the rock support, rich in Barium and Titanium oxides, from the organic pigments on the art-making locales on the wall. This exploratory study is backed up by isotopic analysis of delta C-13 on radiocarbon-dated samples, reinforcing the continuous and enduring presence of Je speaking peoples until very recent times in southern Brazilian plateau, as well as their cultural belonging as regards this peculiar rock art style. (AU)