Early medieval large glass beads from Poland: utilitarian and social functions

Aleksandra Pankiewicz,Sylwia Siemianowska

doi:10.35686/ar.2020.20

Abstract

The study focuses on the early medieval large glass beads from the area of Poland, i.e. specimens whose diameter equals at least 1.5 cm but usually ca. 2 cm or more. The main aim of this study is to define their function, considering precise context of discovery of particular specimens, metric data and microscopic analyses. Another important task of the study is to determine whether large beads were local products or imports, and from which region and in what social circumstances they reached the studied area. Alongside macroscopic and stylistic features, chemical composition of glass that was used for production of the beads can be conclusive in this situation. In our opinion, it is a special category of finds that appeared in this part of Europe during the time of cultural and political transformation in the 11th–13th centuries.

Highlights

Among different forms of glass beads used in the Early Middle Ages in the area of Poland there is a specific category that draws special attention – massive beads, i.e. glass objects in the form of a bead whose outer diameter equals at least 1.5 cm, yet usually reaches ca. 2 cm or more
Basing on the analysis of the context of finds, metric data and traces of use it was stated that massive glass beads did not serve one particular function, but they could have been used as spindle whorls, a single piece of jewelry, an element of a necklace or even a game piece
Regardless of their specific role, those were special items that accentuated the social prestige of its owner. Both their form and chemical composition of the material that was used for the production suggest that those were mostly imports, most probably from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, and in some cases maybe from Scandinavia

Summary

Introduction

Among different forms of glass beads used in the Early Middle Ages in the area of Poland there is a specific category that draws special attention – massive beads, i.e. glass objects in the form of a bead whose outer diameter equals at least 1.5 cm, yet usually reaches ca. 2 cm or more (tab. 1; fig. 1 and 2). Among different forms of glass beads used in the Early Middle Ages in the area of Poland there is a specific category that draws special attention – massive beads, i.e. glass objects in the form of a bead whose outer diameter equals at least 1.5 cm, yet usually reaches ca. As unusual artefacts, already caught the attention of the scholars, they were mostly just briefly mentioned. In few works from the 1970s they were more thoroughly described The reason to undertake studies on large beads again are discoveries (both during the excavations and in storage rooms in museums) new specimens as well as the possibility of looking at the items from a broader perspective. Since the mentioned works were published, the basis for comparative studies has considerably grown, including local glass doi:10.35686/AR.2020.20

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Conclusion