Pigments for the dead: megalithic scenarios in southern Europe

Engravings are the main decorations found on European megaliths, whilst pigments were known only on dolmens along the northern coast of Portugal. This paper collects data from a multidisciplinary archaeological programme aimed at searching for remnants of paint on ancient European megaliths. By developing protocols to detect these paintings on both Iberian megaliths and examples in other European areas, we were able to determine the composition of the pigments. C14 dates were also obtained where organic matter was present. Paintings, engravings, and bas-reliefs on the walls in funerary contexts, either close to the burials or at the tomb entrance, are part of the symbolic construction of these megalithic structures. Despite issues of poor conservation, pigments can potentially complete and enrich engraved motifs. By identifying new painted decoration, it may be possible to directly date the use and continued maintenance of these megaliths, to reveal the colours applied, to provide insights into the skill of the artisans, and thus a fresh approach to the study of the societies that built these monuments.