The technique of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (hplc) is considered the most effective for separating polyphenolic compounds and natural dyes belong almost exclusively to this group. Two 4 solvent systems and one 2 solvent systems were developed to obtain fingerprint chromatographs of dyes, isomers and minor products. Two tlc systems were also developed and if rg vales agreed with those from runs of standard samples, confirmatory spot tests were carried out. The experimental procedure is described in detail. Analytical results are given for 16 textile samples from caucasian rugs and 113 american samples of textile fragments from mission san jose. Synthetic dyes found included weld, madder. Cutch and brasilwood. Work is continuing on those dyes not yet identified. A general description of factoes influencing achievement of good results concludes the paper. Tables, line chromatographs and references. -- ICCROM