Article2002

Characterization of Archaeological Beeswax by Electron Ionization and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Nicolas Garnier · Cécile Cren‐Olivé · Christian H. Rolando · Martine Regert

122 citations0/0 files storedAnalytical Chemistry

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Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis Archaeology and ancient environmental studies Pesticide Residue Analysis and Safety

Abstract

To better detect and identify beeswax in ancient organic residues from archaeological remains, we developed a new analytical methodology consisting of the analysis of (i) the trimethylsilylated organic extract by GC/MS and (ii) the crude extract by ESI-MS. Selective scanning modes, such as SIM or MRM, permit separate quantification of each chemical family (fatty acids, monoesters, monohydroxyesters, and diesters) and allow an improvement in sensitivity and selectivity, allowing the crude extract to be treated without further purification. GC/MS (SIM) was revealed to be a powerful method for the detection of components, with a detection limit down to a total lipid extract in the range of approximately 50 ng in a complex matix, such as archaeological degraded material, whereas ESI-MS/MS is instead used for the detection of nonvolatile biomarkers. Identification by GC/MS (SIM) and ESI-MS/ MS (MRM) of more than 50 biomarkers of beeswax in an Etruscan cup at the parts-per-million level provides the first evidence for the use of this material by the Etruscans as fuel or as a waterproof coating for ceramics.

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References

2000Modern analytical methods in art and archaeology 2001Chemical Alteration and Use of Beeswax Through Time: Accelerated Ageing Tests and Analysis of Archaeological Samples from Various Environmental Contexts 1997Fuel for thought? Beeswax in lamps and conical cups from Late Minoan Crete 1995EVIDENCE FOR THE MIXING OF FATS AND WAXES IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL CERAMICS

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