HPLC and molecular spectroscopic investigations of the red dye obtained from an ancient Pazyryk textile

The cloth specimens of Pazyryk culture from frozen burials of Altai Mountains (500–200 B.C.) were investigated by molecular spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array and mass selective detection. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of ancient red dyes were conducted. Natural dyes of plant origin – alizarin and purpurin and of insect origin – carminic acid and kermesic acid were determined.