Work

FTIR spectroscopy and VSC-based colour assessment dataset for comparative analysis of cremated bones

Year: 2025

Type: data-paper

Abstract: The data presented in this article derives from archaeological cremated bones excavated in 2014-2015 at Aakre Kivivare tarand cemetery, S Estonia. The material covers bone fragments of different colours to be assessed visually, using Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and analysed comparatively with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the structural and compositional changes in the thermally altered bone and implications of the latter in bone colouring. The dataset comprises FTIR spectra measurements, colour spectra measured with VSC and visually assessed colour of human and animal bones chosen for the study. This dataset is expected to be a comparative source for determining archaeological cremated bone colour induced by heat-related changes in the bone microstructure, supporting the visual estimations of temperature-based cremation practices in archaeological and forensic bone material in the future.

Source: Data in Brief

DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2025.112019

Authors: Anu Lillak, Tim Thompson, Mari Tõrv, Ester Oras

Institutions: University of Tartu, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,220

Funders: Sihtasutus Archimedes, Eesti Teadusagentuur, Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium