On-Site Raman Spectroscopic Study of Beads from the Necropolis of Vohemar, Northern Madagascar (>13th C.)

In the late 19th century, ancient tombs were discovered near village of Vohemar at northeastern point Madagascar, and subsequent excavations during French period (1896–1945) revealed presence a major necropolis active from ~13th to 18th centuries. Some artefacts (Chinese ceramic shards glass trade beads) recovered these was sent France now in part belong collection Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, Nimes. Carnelian beads analyzed with mobile Raman spectrometer, which identified different materials (soda-lime glass, quartz/moganite, carnelian/citrine, chalcedony) coloring agents (Naples yellow, cassiterite, amber chromophore, transition metal ions, etc.). The results are compared those obtained on excavated sites Southern Africa Mayotte Island, it appears that (most of) come southern Asia Europe. confirmed role northern Madagascar played within maritime networks Western Indian Ocean 15th–16th century.