The use of Raman microanalysis, together with related techniques of absorption micro-spectrophotometry and fluorometric microanalysis for investigating dyes and pigments is described. Examples are given of the identification of a number of synthetic and traditional colorants, including methyl blue, methyl violet, chrome yellow, perylene red pigments, saffron dye, red ochre, haematite, cinnabar and smalt. Figures, 12 references.