Paper short abstract:

Archaeometric approaches can shadow new light on ivory commerce and provenance and support interpretation of individual characteristics of the ivory carving and artistic expression

Paper long abstract:

Research conducted over the last decade reveals that the traditional concept of Afro-Portuguese ivories, and associated theories, had several epistemological flaws, which precluded an accurate perception of the chronology of African ivories, and also affected the study of geographical origins and cultural meanings.

This communication will present the first analytical results of a new project that combines archival and historical research with laboratorial analysis aiming to reassess Luso-African ivories in the context of African carved ivories and raw material throughout the Atlantic world between c.1500 and c.1800.

Several museum pieces as well as new ivory tusks were analysed using a methodology that combines microanalysis, isotopic analysis and DNA analysis.

The analysis by high resolution micro-imaging, 3d laser scanning, optical microscopy and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy allowed identification of tool marks and microfeatures while isotopic analysis by IR-MS and ICP-MS allowed to further ascertain ivory provenance. These results were complemented by analysis by next generation sequencing to source ivory and explore population genetics.