Multianalytical characterization of pigments from funerary artefacts belongs to the Chupicuaro Culture (Western Mexico): Oldest Maya blue and cinnabar identified in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica

Abstract The colours used in Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica to decorate walls, codices or artefacts have been the subject of numerous studies, with particular attention to Maya blue, red and white pigments. However, most of these studies have been focused on emblematic cultures of the Classic period (ca. 300–1000 CE), such as Teotihuacan and Maya cultures. This work proposes a new chronology of the preparation and use of these pigments, particularly Maya blue, by analysing samples of the Pre-Classic period (ca. 1800 BCE–300 CE). The samples belong to ceremonial artefacts decorated with blue, red and white pigments, in a funerary context from the Chupicuaro culture, which was developed between 600…