Ancient Rock Paintings at Region del Cabo-BCS, Mexico: An Analytical Study

This study focused on the examination of six rock pictorial panels and a solitary figure from four archaeological sites in the Sierra de las Cacachilas (Sector A) in the Region del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Scanning Electron Microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was utilized to analyze tiny samples of the pictorial layers, patina, rocky supports, and natural pigments. The concentrations of C, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Cr, Ti, Mn, and Fe were subjected to statistical methods and the samples were divided into various clusters. Iron and calcium compounds appear to be the primary constituents of the pictorial layers. The red pigment spectra obtained through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of inorganic compounds and the likelihood of a flora-based composite as the binding agent. The minerals identified through X-ray diffraction in the rocky supports were determined to be intrusive igneous rocks. These findings are significant for the conservation and preservation of the artwork in the Sierra de las Cacachilas.