Contribution and limits of portable X-ray fluorescence for studying Palaeolithic rock art: a case study at the Points cave (Aiguèze, Gard, France)

Analysing the colouring matter used to make prehistoric rock art is essential in order retrace chaînes opératoires involved. Despite well-documented limitations of portable analysis systems, need conserve led us reassess capabilities X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry. Thus, we compared in-situ and laboratory analyses materials from Points cave (France), pXRF results with obtained using other methods reference samples. Results confirmed that current systems are unable provide data suitable for elucidating ferruginous matter.