J Archaeol Sci 28 (12)

This study outlines the methodology used in a pilot study to monitor and model the deterioration of paint residues in a cave environment. Mineral oxide pigments were mixed with water and placed on the walls of a cave in the Mendip hills. The physical degradation of the paint residues was simulated visually and modelled mathematically. A training stage learning the characteristics of a reference image is followed by comparisons with this image as the test paints deteriorate. It is planned that the study will be extended over three years and digital image processing will be used to quantify changes in the colour and dimensions of the test paints. The results will be correlated with micro-climatic variables. This methodology can be used to model taphonomic changes to rock art and other forms of imagery in differing environments.

Title:	J Archaeol Sci 28 (12)
Series:	Journal of Archaeological Science
Volume:	28 (12)
Publication Type:	Journal
Editor:	Karl W Butzer John P Grattan Julian Henderson Richard G Klein
Publisher:	Academic Press
Year of Publication:	2001
Source:	BIAB (The British & Irish Archaeological Bibliography (BIAB))
Created Date:	03 Jul 2002

Article Title	Access Type	Author / Editor	Page Start/End	Abstract
Automated analysis of environmental degradation of paint residues		Majid Mirmehdi Alan Chalmers Lawrence Barham Louise Griffiths	1329 - 1338
Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 28 (2001) list of contents and index

J Archaeol Sci 28 (12)

Follow us