Investigation of a fossilized calotte from Lagoa Santa, Brazil, by EDXRF

Abstract

The origin of the component parts of a fossilized calotte (skull cap) from Lagoa Santa in Brazil was investigated by using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis. The specimen was irradiated with a miniaturized and low-power x-ray generator (2.25 W, tungsten anode). The calotte and rock samples from the two known sites have a similar chemical composition, especially rich in S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Fb, Br, Rb and Sr. These elements are associated with the geological constitution of the limestone complex where the archaeological samples were found. The small differences in the relative amount of each element, especially the Ca/Sr ratio, in different parts of the calotte reinforce the hypothesis that the calotte had been mounted with pieces from different origins. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.