Application of Thin-Layer Chromatography, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Binding Media Present on Mummies of St. Giovanni Olini (1200 AD) and St. Nicolosa Bursa (1500 AD)

The main goal of this work was to apply thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in the investigation of different binding media (proteins, sugars, waxes, resins, and oils) found on samples of two mummified bodies of saints originating from 1200 AD and 1500 AD. The historical samples were compared by testing them for the presence of different inorganic and organic compounds. The chemical methods used were TLC, microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The detected similarities in the composition of the binding media coatings on two mummies indicated that those were not applied immediately after death but much later showing resemblance in their preservation treatments. Moreover, according to the composition of the materials detected, the coatings did not seem to have had considerable impact on the mummification of the bodies. The combination of TLC and other chemical methods proved to be an effective and low-cost tool for obtaining valuable information during the archeological investigations.