Marqueur d'identification à micro-échelle de l'ivoire de mammouth dans les objets préhistoriques

This paper illustrates the importance of the material identification in order to be able to answer archaeological questions and describes the definition of new markers based on the chemical analysis and the study of the inner micro-morphology of the objects. The challenge for the identification of mammoth ivory is highlighted amongst prehistoric objects, which were heavily worked and used. The applied analytical approach is non-invasive to preserve the integrity of the rare and precious prehistoric objects. The objects are studied by means of Proton Induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and micro X-ray tomography (microCT). Examples of the study of objects dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic nicely illustrate the informative potential of this kind of investigations.