A multi-analytical investigation of inorganic pigments’ composition in Kerala mural and Theyyam folk art

This work analyses the composition of inorganic pigments used in Kerala mural and theyyam folk art, two traditional art forms of Kerala, a South Indian state renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Focusing on samples directly sourced from practicing artists, a multi-analytical approach by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Confocal Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) was applied. The results pointed out a restricted palette based on natural minerals, together with evidence of the adoption of synthetic pigments and inorganic additives. Among the identifications are the blue pigment: Prussian blue (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3), the red pigments: red ochre (Fe2O3) and cinnabar (HgS), the orange pigment: minium (Pb3O4), and the yellow pigments: orpiment (As2S3) and yellow ochre ((α-FeO(OH)). The results offer a chemical reference for conservation and underline both the evolution and continuity in pigments of these art forms of Kerala.