Glass Bracelets Research Articles

High‐boron and High‐alumina Middle Byzantine (10th–12th Century ce) Glass Bracelets: A Western Anatolian Glass Industry

The trace element boron is present in most ancient glasses as an impurity, and high boron (≥ 300 ppm) marks raw material sources that are geologically specific and relatively uncommon. Recent analyses of Byzantine glass with high boron contents suggest that glass‐making was not limited to the traditional regions of the Levant and Egypt, and a production origin in or near western Anatolia is proposed. Glass bracelets from Ḥiṣn al‐Tīnāt in southern Turkey give fresh evidence for the production and circulation of high‐boron glasses that closely correlates with object typology. The patterning of findspots suggests that high‐boron glass was closely connected to the Byzantine world.

O necropolă medio-bizantină cercetată la Nufăru, jud. Tulcea, punctul Trecere bac. Consideraţii arheologice preliminare / A Middle Byzantine necropolis investigated at Nufăru – Trecere bac, Tulcea County. Preliminary archaeological remarks

Cercetările arheologice desfășurate în intravilanul localităţii Nufăru (jud. Tulcea) au contribuit la descoperirea unei fortificații ridicate a fundamentis la sfârșitul secolului al X-lea, cu o locuire prelungită până la mijlocul secolului al XIII-lea și mai multe zone funerare. Una dintre necropolele așezării medio-bizantine, aflate în capătul nordic al promontoriului stâncos pe care se desfășoară așezarea, în punctul Trecere bac, a fost cercetată în campaniile 1999– 2002, 2004– 2014 și 2016. Ocupând zona de la nord de zidul fortificației bizantine și instalația portuară dezafectată, cimitirul se plasează, din punct de vedere spațial și cronologic, între două niveluri de locuire (unul anterior, marcat de locuințe de suprafață, celălalt ulterior, reprezentat de gropi menajere), perioada în care a fost utilizat putând fi considerată sfârșitul secolului al XI-lea – începutul secolului al XIII-lea. Mormintele cercetate în punctul Trecere bac sunt exclusiv de inhumaţie, cu dispunerea în şiruri paralele. Defuncții au fost depuși în decubit dorsal, cu orientarea V-E, cu cu unele deviaţii determinate de anotimpul în care s‐ a făcut înmormântarea. În general, s- a practicat înhumarea individuală, dar se înregistrează și cazuri de morminte duble, de suprapuneri de complexe funerare, precum și practicarea reînhumării. Depunerea defuncților s- a făcut în gropi simple, puţin adânci, de formă rectangulară şi oval- alungită, uneori trapezoidală, în resturile unor complexe de locuire anterioare sau pe/ în stâncă, în cadrul a 10 cripte. Au fost înregistrate şi cazuri de folosire a protecției/ delimitării cu piatră, a sicrielor, precum și înhumarea pe paturi de pietre, pe zidul sau pe pavimentul instalației portuare. În unele cazuri, craniul înhumatului era așezat pe o piatră, pe o cărămidă sau pe un olan. Dintre cele 450 de complexe funerare, au fost înregistrate 215 schelete în conexiune anatomică, în decubit dorsal, integral sau doar parțial conservate, cu reînhumarea scheletului afectat (documentată în 45 de cazuri), precum și grupări de oseminte umane, rezultate din deranjamentele provocate de acțiunile legate de alte înhumări sau de amenajarea complexelor de locuire ulterioare. Morminte documentate doar prin cranii apar în 31 de cazuri. Există, de asemenea, și o mare cantitate de oase umane recuperate din complexele menajere care au suprapus nivelul necropolei și pentru care nu a fost posibilă întotdeauna stabilirea complexului funerar de proveniență. Întretăierea unor complexe funerare, deranjamentele interne provocate, înhumările dublate de reînhumări, indicând o mare densitate a necropolei, se pot explica, probabil, și prin absența marcării pe teren a mormintelor. Nu este exclus totuși ca, măcar în unele situații, să fie vorba și de existența unei conexiuni între un anumit loc din cimitir și un grup de decedați, cu eventuale legături de rudenie între ei. Pentru scheletele bine conservate, a putut fi înregistrată poziția craniilor (normală sau spre piept, pe partea dreaptă sau pe cea stângă), a antebrațelor (cu cele cinci variante de bază – pe lângă corp, pe bazin, pe abdomen, pe piept și pe umeri – , cu diferitele subvariante) și a picioarelor (în general, întinse, paralele, rar încrucișate, flexate lateral, dreapta sau stânga). Inventarul funerar, prezent în 67 de morminte, este reprezentat de piese de podoabă (ale capului, gâtului şi mâinilor), de port și de cult, la care se adaugă monede (indiciu al practicării depunerii „ obolului lui Charon ˮ ). Necropola din punctul Trecere bac reprezintă cea mai importantă dintre zonele funerare identificate la Nufăru și se încadrează în seria cimitirelor de inhumaţie creştine ale Dobrogei medio-bizantine.

Determination of the origin of the medieval glass bracelets discovered in Dubna, Moscow region, Russia using the neutron activation analysis

The work is dedicated to the determination of the origin of archaeological finds from medieval glass using the method of neutron activation analysis (NAA). Among such objects we can discover not only things produced in ancient Russian glassmaking workshops but also imported from Byzantium. The authors substantiate the ancient Russian origin of the medieval glass bracelets of pre-Mongol period, found on the ancient Dubna settlement. The conclusions are based on data about the glass chemical composition obtained as a result of NAA of 10 fragments of bracelets at the IBR-2 reactor (Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research).

PIXE–PIGE analyses of Byzantine glass bracelets (10th–13th centuries AD) from Isaccea, Romania

This paper reports the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) analyses of 78 glass bracelet fragments discovered in the Byzantine fortified settlement of Isaccea, Romania (10th–13th centuries AD). The chemical composition of the glass was used to identify the raw materials and manufacturing techniques. Most of the bracelets turned out to be soda-lime-silica glasses, but lead and soda-lime-lead glasses were also identified. The PIXE–PIGE data revealed the glass chromophores and provided clues about the pigments used to decorate the external surfaces of some bracelets—lead stannate and gold alloy. The analytical results showed that the bracelets were manufactured by recycling different types of coloured glass, probably in a local workshop.

Adorned for Death

Intrusive burials disrupt the neat stratigraphy that archaeologists long for in their quest for the evidence of ancient life. Nevertheless, these burials are themselves testimony to the peoples who have lived, worked or travelled through the region for trade, resource acquisition, or pilgrimage. These burials also contain high status artefacts which themselves provide evidence of wealth, status, or special care bestowed on the deceased. Such is the case with glass bracelets with colourful trails and patches that testify to a specialized craft during the late Medieval and early Ottoman periods. This paper presents a study of a small group of ornate glass bracelets recovered from in situ burials at Khirbat al-Mudayna on Wadi Thamad in central Jordan, and compares them with larger assemblages from Palestine, the Jordan Valley and the Karak plateau.

Chemical and technological characterization of medieval glass bracelets from South-East Bulgaria

Abstract The present paper deals with chemical and physicochemical characterization of seven glass fragments of medieval glass bracelets from South-East Bulgaria. Samples were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Gravimetric chemical analysis was used for silica assessment. Flame photometry was applied to determine sodium and potassium content while aluminium, calcium and magnesium were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after dissolution using a mixture of acids. All investigated artefacts are soda-lime-silica glasses and when produced two different recipe norms were used. Important technological parameters of glass manufacturing were determined and discussed. This investigation throws light on the technological development and production of glass during medieval times.

Investigations of Byzantine glass bracelets from Nufăru, Romania using external PIXE–PIGE methods

The chemical composition of twenty glass bracelet fragments found in Nufăru, a Byzantine site from 10th–13th centuries A.D., nowadays located on Romania's territory, has been determined using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) in external beam mode. Most of the Byzantine bracelet fragments were identified as “mixed natron-plant ash” soda-lime-silica glasses. The obtained chemical compositions indicated that the manufacturing of these finery items was performed using similar raw materials and techniques, in most of the cases involving colored glass recycling. PIXE–PIGE results highlighted the glass chromophores (cobalt, manganese, copper and iron ions) and provided hints about the mineral pigments used to paint the external surface of some bracelets.

I Celti e il Veneto

The Celts and the Venetic space. The paper examines Celtic influences and presence in the Venetian area between the Vth and IInd century b. C. Archaeological and epigraphical finds show economic and social relationships between Celti and Veneti. New archaeological contexts now allow a more detailed chronology for some specific types, such as glass bracelets from Adria and earrings with complex decorations from Este and Padova. The comparison with Venetic inscriptions allows interesting insights in the social evolution.

Tyana/Kemerhisar (Niğde) : Glass bracelets of the Byzantine and Islamic period

Tyana/Kemerhisar (Niğde) : Glass bracelets of the Byzantine and Islamic period

Feasibility of ETV-ICP-OES for Characterization of Archaeological Glasses

In the present study the possibilities of electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-OES) for characterization of archaeological glasses were investigated. The objects of our research were fragments of a colorless late antique Roman flat window glass (fifth century A.D.) and colored medieval glass bracelets (eleventh–twelfth century A.D.) excavated in the region of Pernik (West Bulgaria). The finely ground glass samples were analyzed directly and CHF3 was used as evaporation and transport modifier. Dried aqueous standard solutions and certified reference materials with different matrix (glass, fly ash, and stream sediment) were used as calibration standards. No matrix effects were observed by the optimized conditions. Measurements were performed using common calibration curves obtained with all appropriate calibration standards and major, minor, and trace element concentrations were determined. ETV-ICP-OES analytical data were used to establish the type of glass, the fluxing agents, the typical coloring and decoloring elements, and the recipe norm.

Microstructure and stability of medieval glass bracelets from Drastar Castle, Bulgaria (11th–13th cent. AD): Four case studies

This paper discusses the microstructure and stability of medieval glass bracelets from 11th–13th cent. AD excavated in Drastar Castle, Bulgaria. All considered fragments represent high-magnesia soda–lime–silica glasses. Their chemical composition is determined by classical wet chemical analysis. Samples are investigated by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Softening points and water resistance are determined in order to establish the quality of glasses. The present study contributes to estimate the technological level of glassmaking during the Middle Ages.

Buldan (Denizli) Arkeolojik Kültür Varlıkları Envanteri 2001-2003 Yılı Saptamalarının Değerlendirmesi

The Cultural Inventory Project was started in 2001 by TUBA-TUKSEK, and the area around the town of Buldan in Denizli Province was selected as one of the pilot regions. The aim of the project is to do­cument ail items of archaeological and cultural he­ritage and to transfer this data to the main cultural inventory data program. The archaeological re­search around Buldan was carried out by the de­partment of Classical Archaeology at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU). Work carried out in 2001-2003 has indicated that some ancient cities of the Buldan region such as Apoilonia/ Tripolis are well preserved, but some are badly damaged as in the case of Yeni Catak and Aktas. Other settlements such as Bozdogan, Dogankoy and Oguz have almost completely disappeared The region of Buldan was first settled during the prehistoric period (Neolithic - Bronz Age), but mounds are rare. There are other low-mound or flat settlements of either short or longer-term use, generally with eroded the cultural layers. These settlements do not have monumental architecture or very dense habitation. Surface finds of ceramics and stone tools help date these sites. The results of the archaeological sur­vey indicated that the ancient city of Apolionia/ Tripolis had a number of satellite towns and vil­lages in its periphery. The number of settle­ments increased during the tale Roman Period, but as indicated by the surface yield of pottery and poorly preserved architectural remains they were not very prosperous settlements. The lack of wealth is indicated by plain, coarse wares and by simple, shapeless cist graves made with stone slabs. Most of these graves were robbed, but some glass vases, glass bracelets, copper earrings, and day lamps have survived. As for the grave types, cist graves were common around the Buldan region. Along with the cist graves, different burial customs and grave types such as pithos, urn. and Carian type were some­times used even within the same necropolis. In addition to these settlements, there were other buildings that were richly ornamented and yielded fine wares. They are interpreted as villas (villa rus­tica) of the Early Roman Period. Few settlements or forts dating to the Byzantine Period were found. During the archaeological research, its revealed that the cloth weaving of Buldan had a long traditi­on dating back at least 1500 years ago. Apolionia/ Tripolis is the only example in this area of a great metropolis that has a touristic value because of its well preserved monumental buil­dings such as the theatre and the bath. Apolio­nia/ Tripolis is being studied as a long-term and multifaceted project by the department of Archa­eology of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU). The final elective of this study is to produce a scientific publication and also a guide­book. Most of the buildings have been measured by total station and transferred to the digital data­base. A new tour itinerary through the ancient city is a/so being planned.

Fragments of Glass Bangles from Krek 52/62 and Their Implications for the Dating of the Mimotien Culture

Until recently the Mimotien complex of southeast Cambodia and adjacent Viet Nam was dated to the Neolithic. The artifact assemblages of circular earthworks with outer walls and inner ditches consisted only of ceramic and stone artifacts: absolute dating of the organic temper of the pottery did not yield reliable results. Other organic material and metal artifacts have not been preserved due to the acidity of the red tropical soil with a pH value of less than 4. In 1998 and 2000, fragments of five glass bangles were discovered in the upper part of the excavation but well within the occupational layer of the earthwork Krek 52/62. The chemical composition of the translucent green bracelets (with triangular to house-shaped cross sections) points to an origin of the glass in India or South Viet Nam, respectively. High alumina content prevented intensive weathering. Glass is introduced in Southeast Asia in the second half of the first millennium b.c. Parallel finds of green to blue translucent glass bracelets with triangular to house-shaped cross sections from Viet Nam, Thailand, and the Philippines date to the second half of the first millennium b.c. The glass bangles from Krek 52/62 indicate a date of at least the terminal phase of the Mimotien complex to 500 b.c. or even younger.

Fast neutron activation analysis—FNAA using d(13 MeV)+Be reaction for archaeometrical research at Bucharest cyclotron

In the last ten years the Bucharest U-120 classical variable-energy Cyclotron was employed as an intense source of fast neutrons produced by 13.5 MeV deuterons on a thick beryllium target [1], mainly for radio-biological and archaeometrical studies. To characterize this fast neutrons field, energy spectra, yields and average energy were determined using the time-of-flight (TOF) and multiple foils (activation detectors and fission chambers) methods. The potential for elemental analysis using FNAA (Fast Neutron Activation Analysis), especially for archaeological objects, is presented and illustrated with some results on coloured Byzantine glass bracelets found in Romania (receipts of pigments related to various glass elemental composition).

Samuel's Denunciation of Kingship in the Light of the Akkadian Documents from Ugarit

and drilled stones to receive door bolts were found during the course of excavation. The rooms of the building were evidently very well fortified with sturdy doors, bars, and bolts. In room 20 some 25 whole and partial twisted opaque glass bracelets implied the presence of ladies in this area. Most of the other rooms yielded no bracelets at all. The bases of pottery bread ovens about 75 cms. in diameter in four different rooms and fragments of others indicated the preparation of quantities of food for the dwellers in the structure. The size of the rooms varied from 4.30 X 4.60 meters (room 22) and 5.50 X 5.90 meters (room 15) to a few smaller rooms like No. 24, c. 2.50 X 3.50 meters. The stratification of the T area, below the first level of Arabic, follows a similar pattern yielded in three previous seasons of excavation: Hellenistic material preceded by Iron Age levels. In the T area we found over 50 objects and in the A area over 200 pottery and stone objects, several dozen flints, a number of bronze pins and some iron objects, making a total of over 250 objects. The T area yielded over 43,900 sherds and the A area over 179,900, making a total of over 223,900. Over 2200 sherds were recorded. The 1956 staff was comprised of the writer and Mrs. Ruby Free as directors; Miss DeViolette Bernhardt and Miss Rosa Veal of Spartanburg, S. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Brown, former Wheaton students; and Mr. Dwain Eckberg and Mr. Peter Gerard, Wheaton students. Area supervising was in charge of Mrs. Free, Mr. Brown, Mr. Eckberg, and Mr. Gerard; photography was in charge of Miss Bernhardt assisted by Miss Veal; recording and alternate supervising was shared by Mrs. Brown, Miss Bernhardt, and Miss Veal. Drafting in the A area was done by Mr. Gerard and in the T area by Mr. Eckberg, and pottery sorting and classification was in charge of the director, assisted by the other members of the staff. Helpful counsel was given by Mr. G. Lankester Harding, Director of the Department of Antiquities of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, by Pere R. de Vaux of the 1cole Biblique, and by Father Sylvester Saller who has worked in later periods at Bethany and other sites. We plan a fifth season of excavation in 1957.