Costa, MarinaVicente, Cláudia S.L.Espada, MargaridaFaria, Jorge M.S.Teixeira, Jorge GinjaBettencourt, JoséTeixeira, Dora Martins2026-03-112026-03-112025-123059-3220PURE: 156896100PURE UUID: c3fef015-8140-4379-a17f-c2d6c8c451c1Scopus: 105025377050WOS: 001642803300001http://hdl.handle.net/10362/201285UID/04666/2025 https://doi.org/10.54499/UID/04666/2025Underwater archaeological excavations at a shipwreck located in the port of Horta (Azores), uncovered a cargo of elephant ivory tusks, likely from a British merchant vessel that sank in the early 18th century. Since the ship’s route remains uncertain, determining the ivory’s provenance was essential for reconstructing its historical and commercial context. A multidisciplinary analytical approach combining X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis was employed. FTIR spectra displayed a typical dentin profile, with Infrared Splitting Factor values (3.45–3.58) indicating moderate diagenetic alteration but overall good preservation. XRF results reflected both biogenic composition and post-depositional effects, with copper absence in two samples possibly linked to biological variation. Molecular analysis identified an African origin for the ivory, probably obtained during a stopover at an African port, supporting the initial archaeological hypothesis. This study also highlighted that EDTA removal after samples decalcification improves DNA extraction efficiency.101957653engConservationChemistry (miscellaneous)ArchaeologyMaterials Science (miscellaneous)ArchaeologySpectroscopyComputer Science Applicationsjournal article10.1038/s40494-025-02245-1https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105025377050https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001642803300001