Identifying Bronze Age glass production centres through bead-making techniques

Abstract

The assemblage of Bronze Age glass beads found in the territory of present-day Poland counts 3100 pieces. The earliest examples known from excavations in central Europe are dated most often to the BrB–HaA1/A2 phases of the Bronze Age (= BA II–III/IV); they are made of high magnesium glass (HMG), which is now most frequently corroded. In the HaA2–HaB3 phases (= BA IV–V), beads were produced of a “mixed alkali” glass, also called low magnesium and high potassium glass (LMHK), which is usually preserved in rather good condition. The oldest beads are large as a rule, well made, using, at least in some cases, the folding technique. Small, undecorated beads made of “mixed alkali” glass were produced by the winding technique.