Abstract

This report presents the results of X-ray fluorescence performed on 12 artifacts from Chinchorro funerary contexts, Arica, Northern Chile, focusing the discussion on the presence of manganese (Mn). The sample with the highest concentration of Mn was analyzed with Raman spectrometry to advance on the structural identification of the corresponding black chromophore. All artifacts were positive for the presence of Mn with a range of 1.11% 63.66%. A value above 2% (83.33% of the total) was considered of anthropic origin, and the analyzed pigments were identified as cryptomelane and goethite. © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Society for American Archaeology.