THE RAW MATERIALS OF EARLY GLASS PRODUCTION

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

237 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper discusses raw materials used in ancient glasses. Following a consideration of some archaeological reasons for studying glass, the discussion concentrates on the evidence provided by chemical analysis of the glass, and focuses on glass from later prehistoric Western Europe. Consideration of the major, minor and trace components of the glass leads to a conclusion that prehistoric glass artisans were able closely to control the addition of small quantities of colorants, opacifiers and clarifiers to the glass melt. Some possible ways of introducing such small quantities of these substances are suggested. A related implication is that glass production in prehistoric Europe was a mainly specialist industry, being part of a ‘high‐status’socio‐economic sphere. When interpreting technical analyses a full consideration of the socio‐economic niche occupied by the glass industry is urged.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)267-291
Number of pages25
JournalOxford Journal of Archaeology
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Archaeology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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