Hi Linda,

Strangely enough many years ago when I was in archaeological
conservation I ran into a research project that is the reverse of your
query. An anthropologist who specialized in the analysis of
fingerprint evidence on ancient ceramics wanted a non-destructive
technique for getting precise print impressions from ancient copper
alloys. In the precise measurement of the patterns and morphology of
the prints under a micorscope he was able to discern race and sex of
the pottery makers and then through the analysis of a large body of
such data from well provenanced sites he was able to demonstrate how
the role of gender in pottery making changed over time. He brought me
a Moche period copper alloy ceremonial axe that had been in a looted
tomb - and the axe had been torn away from the body at some point.
There was skin mineralized by the copper salts on the surface of the
axe (along with some textile). And I was able to help design a
technique where an impression could be lifted and mounted under a
microscope with almost no effect on the artifact.

This led me into a bit of research into the nature of fingerprints.
Depending on the substrate matieral the actual fingerprint can be more
damaging that the powders (usually on metals - many of you have seen
fingerprints etched into historic metals). Sometimes the vapors from
cynoacrylates (superglue) contains acids that react with the chemistry
of fingerprint residues to make a print visible - this can cause some
damage, especially if left uncleaned afterwards. Interestingly enough,
the chemistry of a child's fingerprints are very different from those
of adult's and require different methods (I read a research report by
an FBI agent on this).

So, I think it entirely depends on what the material is. I think that
the dark powders may be more of an issue as they usually contain
lampblack - and on unfired or low fired pottery that may be an issue.

But there are other things to reason out in this. First, is it of more
value to possibly identify a thief and recover the stolen artifacts?
Second, I would first look for prints on other surfaces such as door
handles, glass, etc. before thinking that an artifact would be the
better place to source a print.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, CA

On 12/20/07, Linda Pansing <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> In a recent departmental meeting the following question was posed.  In the
> event of a theft would the application of fingerprint powder on artifacts
> damage the artifact?  From what we can find online the powder ingredients
> vary from brand to brand so knowing what exactly is in the powder might be
> difficult to ascertain, but mostly they consist of finely powdered
> non-reactive substances with light adhesive properties.  Since I'm not a
> chemist I can't tell for sure but fingerprint dust appears like it wouldn't
> adversely affect smooth hard surfaces, though I wouldn't want it applied to
> textiles or papers.  A secondary process of "developing" fingerprints that
> commonly uses vaporized adhesives, radioactive gases, laser luminescence,
> and the application of various chemicals that react with deposits left by
> fingers would most certainly be unadvised with historic artifacts.
>
> Has anyone have any experience with this or thoughts on the subject?
>
> Thanks for any help you can give,
>
> Linda
>
>
>
> Linda Pansing
>  Assistant Curator of Archaeology
>  Collections, Historic Preservation & Statewide Outreach
>  The Ohio Historical Society
>  1982 Velma Ave.
>  Columbus, OH 43211
>  (614) 298-2061
>  [log in to unmask]
>  www.ohiohistory.org/archaeology
>  __________________________
>
> Find out about new archaeology happenings on the Ohio Historical Society's
> Archaeology Blog at http://ohio-archaeology.blogspot.com
>
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