Ion beam analysis of glass inlays from the Staffordshire Anglo-Saxon Hoard

Abstract

The glass inlays in six objects from the Staffordshire Hoard were subjected to compositional analysis by proton induced X-ray and gamma ray emission (PIXE and PIGE) at AGLAE, Paris. The opaque blue and white glasses are of a natron-based composition and are very likely to be reused and reworked Roman glass, possibly mosaic tesserae. The opacifiers used in their production are also those expected for Roman glasses. These glasses share some compositional parallels with the opaque glasses analysed from the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo ship burial. The transparent red glasses in the Staffordshire Hoard have a similar base composition to the opaque blue and white glasses, but with elevated potash and magnesia levels. Glass in this group also appears to have been made of natron glass, but with the addition of what was probably a plant ash. It is possible that this addition was made to extend the amount of glass available to northern European craftsmen. The discovery of transparent red glass in millefiori with a composition related to Anglo-Saxon vessel glass suggests that these millefiori were being produced by contemporary north-western European, and possibly Anglo-Saxon, glass workers.