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Raman spectroscopy has been applied to the nondestructive study of ivory artefacts. Molecular Raman spectra of this material have been recorded previously using Fourier‐transform Raman spectroscopy (1064‐nm excitation), and attempts were made to differentiate between species of different origin. However, few attempts have been made to examine this interesting material using dispersive Raman spectroscopy, as when using shorter wavelength excitation, the fluorescence background signal tends to overwhelm the Raman signal. In this study, however, a mobile fibre‐optics Raman spectrometer, equipped with 1064‐nm excitation and an InGaAs detector, was used for the direct analysis of ivory artefacts. This approach opens opportunities for the fast and reliable analysis of this material, without the need to move the artefact to the laboratory, helping to act against the illegal trade of this endangered biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy is frequently implemented in the analysis of art objects. Especially its non‐destructive character and the advent of mobile instruments, often equipped with fibre optics probe heads, have opened the doors for many direct investigations of artworks. However, Raman spectroscopy usually requires stable positioning of the objective lens, close to the paint surface. Consequently, and despite the use of an extensive range of positioning equipment, it is not possible to reach every spot of a large artefact. Positioning, and as a consequence measuring, is becoming even more critical for 3D objects. Therefore, we examine the characteristics and explore the opportunities for the investigation of art objects that can be obtained by using a zoom lens, which is suitable for the Raman investigation at working distances between 6 and 60 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]