THE RAW MATERIALS OF EARLY GLASS PRODUCTION

TLDR

This paper discusses raw materials used in ancient glasses, focusing on chemical analysis evidence from later prehistoric Western Europe and the archaeological motivations for studying glass. The study proposes possible methods for introducing small quantities of colorants, opacifiers, and clarifiers into the glass melt. The authors emphasize that technical analyses must be interpreted within the socio‑economic context of the glass industry. Analysis of glass components shows that prehistoric artisans could precisely control small additions of colorants, opacifiers, and clarifiers, indicating that glass production was a specialized, high‑status industry.

Abstract

Summary 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.