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Late Bronze Age mixed-alkali glasses from Bohemia
Skla typu mixed alkali mladší doby bronzové v Čechách
Natalie Venclová – Václav Hulínský – Julian Henderson –
Simon Chenery – Lucia Šulová – Josef Hložek
Besides monochrome blue-green glass beads, polychrome beads appear, for the first time in Bohemian
prehistory, in Late Bronze Age contexts of the Knovíz culture (Ha A, 12th – early 11th cent. B.C.). They are
formally similar to the beads made in Frattesina and/or other glass workshops in northern Italy. According
to the chemical analyses in this paper, the beads from Bohemia also correspond to the North Italian products
because they have a mixed alkali composition, a compositional type unique for its time, thus providing
evidence of a likely provenance.
Late Bronze Age – Knovíz culture – glass beads – chemical analyses
V mladší době bronzové, v kontextu knovízské kultury (Ha A, 12. až 1. pol. 11. stol. př. Kr.), se vedle monochromních modrozelených skleněných korálků objevují, poprvé v českém pravěku, také polychromní korálky.
Formálně se shodují s korálky zhotovovanými ve Frattesině, a případně v dalších dílnách v severní Itálii.
Podle chemických analýz, které jsou v článku prezentovány, se tyto korálky z Čech shodují s výrobky této
dílenské oblasti také svým specifickým sklem typu mixed alkali, ve své době unikátním, které tuto provenienci jednoznačně dokládá.
mladší doba bronzová – knovízská kultura – skleněné korálky – chemické analýzy
Introduction
The earliest vitreous products – faience beads – appear in Bohemia in the Early Bronze Age.
Since the Middle Bronze Age, the assortment of products was enriched by glass beads
which however do not increase in number in Central Europe until the Late Bronze Age.
The glass necklaces from the Northern Urnfields – Lausitz and Silesian-Platěnice Cultures
of that period in East Bohemia were considered to be most numerous, but recent finds have
substantially increased glass finds dated to the contemporary Upper Danubian Urnfields –
Knovíz Culture in Central and NW Bohemia. It is in the Knovíz context where polychrome
beads of various shapes appear for the first time in Bohemia, and their culturally and chronologically diagnostic value is greater than in the case of the monochrome and formally
limited (annular or round) beads (Venclová 1990, 40–41, 216–221). All the Knovíz culture
beads belong probably to the Ha A phase, that is to the 12th – early 11th cent. B.C., according to the Central European absolute chronology (Jiráň ed. et al. 2008, 145, tab. 4).
Similar types of beads are known from South Moravia from the context of the Velatice
culture. The small annular blue-green undecorated beads of the Br D to Ha A-B Lausitz and
Silesian-Platěnice cultures in East Bohemia and Moravia (Venclová 1990, 40–42, 178–179,
218–219, and some recent finds) seem to be typologically very close. However, as mentioned
560 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
below, the different chemical composition of glass found in samples from East Bohemia
suggests a different origin of – at least some – beads from this more eastern cultural area.
Up to now, Moravian beads have not yet been submitted to modern chemical analyses.
When the Late Bronze Age (Final Bronze Age in the Italian chronology) glass-working
site of Frattesina came to light, the origin of Late Bronze Age beads from Bohemia and
other parts of Central Europe was naturally sought there (Venclová 1990, 41–44 with refs.).
This assumption was however based on typological grounds alone. The growing volume
of analytical data based on not only glasses from Frattesina, but also from a number of
other sites, now offer a very precise identification of the technology and an indication of
the provenance for Late Bronze Age glass. This applies also to finds from Bohemia whose
chemical composition is known thanks to analyses conducted recently as part of the research project IAA800020903 ‘Glassmaking in prehistory and Middle Ages: cultural and
technological transformations’ supported by the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences
of the Czech Republic.
NV
Beads in the Late Bronze Age Knovíz culture context (Ha A)
in Bohemia
The state of research as in late 1980s has been summarised by Venclová (1990, 42–44)
and the somewhat limited set of additional data gained since then is reviewed below.
More information may be found in the references attached. The description of the beads
submitted to chemical analysis is given in the List of samples.
Dolánky (distr. Louny). Rubín hill, no context. Rounded blue-green bead with four blue-white eyes. The bead
was recorded by Haevernick (1978) in her list of Pfahlbaunoppenperlen, and the information was then
followed by further authors. The bead, presumably deposited in the Oblastní muzeum of Chomutov, cannot
now be identified in the collections. According to E. Černá, it could be inv. no. 9083 of the Steiner Collection – a blue-green bead with two-layered blue-white eyes, but it was missing already during the revision
in 1985. Refs.: Haevernick 1978, 146; Venclová 1990, 220.
Holubice (distr. Praha-západ). Western border of the village. Part of a larger cremation cemetery, group of
eight graves (Ha A). Investigations of J. Hložek, 2008. Deposited in Institute of Archaeological Heritage
in Central Bohemia, Prague. Ref.: Hložek 2009.
Urn grave 3: nine blue-green annular beads including one double (two-coiled) bead; traces of red glass
on two beads; accompanied by bronze artefacts: thirteen small bronze sheet tutuli, small ring and pin.
Analysed samples 620–628.
Levousy (distr. Litoměřice). Forest of Borová. Barrow cemetery. Investigations of Z. Smrž, 1974. Deposited in Institute of Archaeological Heritage in NW Bohemia, Most. Refs: Smrž 1975; Venclová 1990, 220.
Barrow 6, cremation grave A: one fusiform faience bead, light green surface, white grainy core, decorated
by white spiral and wavy lines; accompanied by bronze spirals, pin and bracelet (Ha A).
Noutonice (distr. Praha-západ). Plot no. 40/47. Part of a larger cremation cemetery, group of six graves (Ha A).
Investigations of L. Šulová, 2008. Deposited in Institute of Archaeological Heritage in Central Bohemia,
Prague. Ref.: Šulová 2010.
Urn grave: fusiform blue-green bead and small annular blue-green bead. Associated with bronze pin and
quartz pebble.
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Obory (distr. Příbram). Site Hromádky. Cremation cemetery, 87 urn graves (Ha A2). Investigations of J. Hrala,
1983–1984. Deposited in Hornické muzeum, Příbram. Refs: Venclová 1990, 220; Hrala 2000.
Grave 106: two blue-green annular beads, traces of red glass on one bead. Data on find assemblage not
available.
Grave 126: four blue-green annular beads. Associated with bronze objects: two pins, two bracelets, fingerring, belt clasp, two small tutuli, button, small spiral; small gold ring. Analysed samples 734, 735.
Praha-Zbraslav (distr. Praha). Main square. Discovered 1929. Deposited in National Museum, Prague inv. no.
40812. Refs.: Horáková-Jansová 1931; Venclová 1990, 220.
Urn grave: about fifteen blue-green annular beads; accompanied by bronze objects: belt clasp, two pins,
several small rings, small spirals; quernstone.
Řepín (distr. Mělník). Plot no. 13. Gift of V. Jansa, no context. Two blue-green fusiform beads decorated
by white spirally wound thread. Regionální muzeum, Mělník inv. no. 4734, 4735. Ref.: Venclová 1990, 220.
Analysed samples 736–739.
Středokluky (distr. Praha-západ). Plot no. 331/IC, from a building site. Hoard of bronzes, 1956 (Ha A2).
The hoard contained one small blue-green annular bead. Deposited in Středočeské muzeum, Roztoky u Prahy
inv. no. 23135. Refs.: Venclová 1990, 220; Kytlicová 1991, 24; 2007, 306.
Tuchoměřice (distr. Praha-západ). Southern part of the village. Cremation cemetery, 32 urn graves (Ha A).
Investigations of L. Šulová, 2005–2007. Deposited in Středočeské muzeum, Roztoky u Prahy and Institute
of Archaeological Heritage in Central Bohemia, Prague. Ref.: Šulová 2006, 135–136; 2007.
Grave 4/05 (juvenile, age 17–20): 25 small blue-green annular beads; accompanied by bronze objects: bead,
two small rings, pin fragment; two quartz pebbles. Analysed samples 740–742.
Grave 6/05 (child): four small blue-green annular beads; accompanied by 1 quartz pebble. Analysed sample 743.
Grave 12/05: one blue-green four-horned bead decorated with white rings; accompanied by two ceramic
vessels, bronze objects: three small buttons, c. sixteen rings; gold spiral. Analysed samples 744–745.
Grave 16/05: five glass beads: one blue-green fusiform bead with white spirally wound thread, four small
blue-green annular beads; accompanied by bronze pin fragment. Analysed samples 746–747.
Grave 22/07: twenty small annular beads.
Archaeological observations
With the exception of the bead from the Středokluky hoard, all the other beads probably
come from burial contexts forming part of the inventory of urn graves. Forty-four graves,
of which seven contained glass beads, were available for the following assessment. One grave
out of eight at Holubice and five graves out of 32 at Tuchoměřice contained glass beads.
A maximum of some twenty beads were found in the grave inventories though this need not
have been the original total. It can be deducted that beads were mostly not cremated with
the dead as they usually show no sign of damage by fire. A higher number of the – very
small – glass beads from recent finds undoubtedly corresponds to the systematic sieving
of the grave contents. Anthropological determinations are available only in two cases from
Tuchoměřice where in grave 4/05 beads accompanied a young person 17–20 years of age
while in grave 6/05 there was an infant. Burials with typical male accessories such as weapons
are not included among graves associated with glass beads. Grave inventories containing
gold objects (Tuchoměřice grave 12/05; Obory grave 126) must indicate a higher social status for the dead. This may be true also of the burials containing several bronze ornaments,
562 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
a class to which belong most of the Knovíz graves with glass beads. The social hierarchy
of burials on the basis of their inventory cannot however be easily assessed. The significance of glass in the Late Bronze Age is demonstrated by the presence of a single glass
bead in the Středokluky hoard of bronze objects (containing both vessels and ornaments).
Considering the associations described above and at the same time the fact that glass beads
were interregional imports in the Central European Knovíz culture, it may nevertheless be
surmised that beads were associated with the local élites, perhaps assuming an apotropaic
protective rôle for children and young individuals, particularly females.
The glass beads were made by winding. The glass is translucent but not quite homogeneous and sometimes may appear opaque. The colour is typically blue-green on a scale
of bluish or greenish tints, exceptionally with traces of red. The decoration, if any, is produced by applying opaque white glass and in one case perhaps also blue glass (Dolánky).
In another case (Levousy) the bead was made of white grainy faience, green on the surface;
its manufacturing technique has not been established. From a typological point of view,
small monochrome annular beads prevail, up to twenty being found in individual graves,
while polychrome beads seem to occur as single specimens. This however may be due to
the low visibility of the smaller monochrome beads in cases when sieving has not formed
part of the recovery process.
In Bohemia, the following types of beads were identified (see the List of samples for
abbreviations):
• Annular bead, blue-green glass, D 4.5–6.5 mm, d 2–4 mm, h 1–3 mm. Venclová 1990,
41, type 2. Bellintani – Stefan 2009, type 1.2. This most frequent type of bead is
present on most Bohemian sites. Formally non-diagnostic and, in the absence of
chemical analyses, undistinguishable from other contemporary or even later beads.
• Annular bead, blue-green glass, traces of red glass, D 5–5.5 mm, d 1–3 mm, h 1.5–
2.5 mm. Bellintani – Stefan 2009, type 1.2 to 1.3. Traces of red glass (as at Holubice,
Obory) are exceptional. The red colour of glass could have been created accidentally
depending on the furnace conditions (see below) and its use has been observed on
several bead types from Frattesina (Bellintani – Stefan 2009).
• Fusiform bead, blue-green glass, decorated with opaque white spirally wound thread,
D min. 5–5.5 mm (at the bead ends), D max. 6.5–9.5 mm, d 2.5–3.5 mm, h 10.5–
23.5 mm. Venclová 1990, 41, type 4; Bellintani – Stefan 2009, type 12.3. Beads from
Řepín and Tuchoměřice belong to the typical Pfahlbauperle class of Th. E. Haevernick (1949–1950), which occurs on almost all known sites where the mixed alkali
glasses have been found (Bellintani – Stefan 2009, tab. 2, fig. 3–6) and on many
others; in some assemblages it even represents the majority of all beads (HauteriveChampréveyres: Rychner-Faraggi 1993, 64).
• Fusiform bead, light green faience, decorated by a white wavy-line between spirally
wound threads, D max. 19 mm, d 6 mm, h 30 mm. Venclová 1990, 41, type 5. In the
whole Bohemian assemblage the bead from Levousy is an exception. A similar bead,
but made of brown glass, of unknown chemical composition, occurred in Frattesina
(Bellintani – Stefan 2009, tipo 14.1). It has been previously suggested that the Levousy bead could represent an unsuccessful product of this or some other workshop
(Venclová 1990, 43).
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• Four-horned bead, blue-green glass, decorated by white rings on the horns, D 12.5–
15 mm, d 3 mm, h 7–8.5 mm. The bead (Tuchoměřice) belongs to Haevernick‘s (1978)
group of Pfahlbaunoppenperlen. Bellintani – Stefan 2009, type 22.1 (?).
• Rounded bead, blue-green glass, decorated by four blue-white eyes made of two
layers (?), dimensions unknown. Venclová 1990, 41, type 3; Bellintani – Stefan 2009,
type 21.3 (?). The type of decoration is uncertain in the case of the presumed eye-bead
from Dolánky. Beads decorated by eyes or rings nevertheless represent a relatively
prominent type made of mixed alkali glass and are known from Frattesina and other
sites (Bellintani – Stefan 2009, tab. 3).
NV, LŠ, JHlo
European archaeological context of beads of the Late Bronze Age
„Frattesina type“
The first to study Late Bronze Age polychrome beads was Th. E. Haevernick (1949–1950;
1978b), who named them, according to their frequent occurrence on the so-called Pfahlbausiedlungen in Switzerland as Pfahlbauperlen or Pfahlbaunoppenperlen. Beads of this type
were found on the north Italian Proto-Villanovan culture (12th–10th cent. B.C.) production
site of Frattesina where archaeological traces of glass-working, if not glass-making, were
discovered (Bietti-Sestieri 1981, 143–148). Another impulse for the study of this bead
group resulted from the settlement at Rathgall in Ireland of unusual blue-green beads decorated by simple or multiple rings. These are supposed to belong to 9th to 7th cent. B.C.,
contexts slightly later than at Frattesina, but radiocarbon dates in the 11th cent. B.C. were
also obtained from the site (Raftery – Henderson 1987). Typologically, and, as it turned out,
also chemically similar assemblages of beads have been found in Late Bronze Age sites in
Switzerland (Hauterive-Champréveyres: Rychner-Faraggi 1993), northern Italy (Towle et al.
2001), France (Billaud – Gratuze 2002) or Germany (Hartmann et al. 1997; Lorenz 2006).
Bellintani and Residori (2003) provide a list of locations with a map of Late Bronze Age
beads, where as well as Western Europe and the Mediterranean Bohemia and Moravia also
appear, but, apart from Italy, the distribution relies mainly on Haevernick (1978) and needs
a thorough revision.
Today, the quantity of relevant beads can be estimated as several thousand; from Frattesina itself come almost 3,000 pieces, from other sites in Italy a further c. 2,500, and
hundreds have been recorded in Switzerland (Bellintani et al. 2006; Bellintani – Stefan
2009) and possibly in France (pers. inf. by B. Gratuze). The highest cummulations of Pfahlbauperlen have been discovered in northern Italy and perhaps Switzerland, and their overall distribution (Towle et al. 2001) reaches France, Britain and Ireland in the west, Central
Germany, Bohemia and Moravia in the north and the Mediterranean in the south. One of
the easternmost sites seems to be Kaman in Central Anatolia (pers. comm. Dr. Omura).
The site of particular importance for Late Bronze Age beads is the aforementioned settlement of Frattesina in the lower Po valley not far from the Adriatic coast, investigated in
the 1970s by A.-M. Bietti-Sestieri (1980; 1981). The site is considered an important production and settlement centre, apparently a seat of a local élite and exceptional in the region.
Bronze metallurgy was carried out there and in addition the working of lead, gold, bone,
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ivory and amber. Finds of imported objects attest to current interregional contacts (Arenoso
Callipo – Bellintani 1994; Towle et al. 2001). The glass from Frattesina has recently been
studied by Bellintani and Stefan (2009), who date the beginnings of the settlement to Bronzo recente, that is, to 13th cent., the main occupation of the site to Bronzo finale (protovillanoviano), 12th–10th cent. and its end in the Early Iron Age, while glass-making and
glass-working would have taken place from the 12th cent. onwards. Archeological finds
connected with glass manufacturing include crucibles coated inside with glass, blocks of
raw glass of blue, turquoise, blue-green and red colour, and waste. According to the detailed
typological analysis the assemblage comprises large and small annular monochrome beads,
cylindrical and fusiform beads as well as some other forms, in dark blue, light blue and
blue-green, red and white colours. Polychrome beads show either linear decoration – spirally wound thread, sometimes combed – in white, but also red, brown to brown-black,
or circular decoration of rings or bosses, mostly in white, or two-layered (stratified) bluewhite eyes. The authors acknowledge that glass workshops could have been established
on other sites, namely in northern Italy. Glass beads made in Frattesina belong to the class
of mixed alkali, or LMHK, glass (see below).
The assemblage of 51 beads from the hoard of Allendorf (Stadtallendorf) in Hessen,
dated to Ha B3–B3/C, known already to Haevernick and recently studied by Lorenz (2006),
is of major significance for Central Europe. It contained beads of the Pfahlbauperlen type,
but also other beads of varying forms, apparently black but actually dark green, and blue
polychrome beads which so far have few parallels. These beads are cylindrical with zigzag
decoration, or flattened globular decorated with rings, multiple diagonal lines or dots in
white, yellow, orange, and red, brown or turquoise colours. Apparently the latter beads have
a different provenance from that of the Pfahlbauperlen beads.
Archaeometry of the Late Bronze Age mixed alkali glasses
Chemical analyses of glasses from Frattesina and elsewhere were carried out by Henderson
(Raftery – Henderson 1987; Henderson 1988a; 1988b) and Brill (1992; 1999) and their
results have offered a new insight into the research of Pfahlbauperlen beads. Both authors
characterised the glass as a mixed alkali type, or – following Henderson – LMHK or low
magnesium – high potassium. This glass contains c. 6–9 % Na2O, 8–11 % K2O, 0,5–1,0 %
MgO and has a low content of c. 2 % CaO. The authors stated that this was a new and
previously unknown type of glass with no parallels outsides of continental Europe. Brill
(1992) has discussed the possible source of alkalis in this glass and put forward the following alternatives: 1. ash of local woody plants, purified by leaching, 2. an impure form
of natron contaminated by potassium salts (as for example the evaporites from Wadi Natrun
in Egypt), 3. efflorescent salts from latrines or manurial soils containing, for example,
salpetre (KNO3) and sodium salts (NaNO3). Most of the analysed blue glasses from Frattesina were, according to Brill, coloured by copper accompanied by tin and the colourant
could have been derived from bronze. He considered the occasional occurence of red glass
on blue beads to be due to reduced copper in the form of Cu2O as a result of reheating
the blue beads at moderate temperatures, perhaps even accidentally.
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Mixed-alkali glass was also identified by further analyses by Henderson (1993a) of the
large assemblage of beads from Hauterive-Champréveyres in Switzerland. He also published
results of mixed-alkali and the first high potassium glass for beads from the island of Thasos
in northern Greece (Henderson 1993b). Furthermore, he drew attention to the fact that contemporary glasses of the Bronze Age, and also some Hallstatt period glasses, could have
a different composition characterised as HMG (high magnesium), while another type, LMG
(low magnesium) was common in the Iron Age. The HMG glass was probably produced
in the Mediterranean or Near East, and ingots of this glass were traded in the Bronze Age,
as it is attested by the ship-wreck off the Turkish coast at Ulu Burun dated to around 1300 B.C.
(Henderson 1988b, 447–448, fig. 3). The ship carried ingots of turquoise, cobalt blue and
violet glass, which could have been produced in Egypt, but also in Mesopotamia; ingots
of different shapes and colours can indicate their origin in several different workshops
(Henderson – Evans – Nikita 2010, 2, 15–16). Recent analyses of three samples from the
Ulu Burun wreck have shown a similarity to Egyptian glass (Jackson – Nicholson 2010).
Henderson regarded the local production of the LMHK glass in the north of Italy as
possible and explained this by the scarcity of raw glass due to the decline of Mycenaean
civilisation in the 12th cent. B.C. when Europe had to find its own sources for glass-making.
He considered the possible development of LMHK glass during earlier phases of the Bronze
Age. Blue-green colouring of LMHK glasses is due to the addition of CuO but also Co + Ni
while green (or rather dark green) colour is caused by FeO. White opaque decorative glass
was found to contain small amounts of Sb or none at all (Henderson 1993a).
According to some experimental work carried out by Hartmann et al. (1997), the potash
in the mixed-alkali glass could have been acquired from beechwood ash through a process
of leaching.
Santopadre and Verità (2000) have compared glass from Frattesina with earlier faience
beads and buttons from Italy and with some later glasses and they found a similar ratio
of Na2O : K2O in faience and in the LMHK glasses. They presumed that the red colour on
the surface of some beads was the result of intentional application of a powdered layer of
cuprite and metallic copper.
Results of analyses of more than hundred LMHK glasses from Frattesina, Mariconda
and other sites were compared to other glasses and evaluated by Towle et al. (2001) who
also discussed LMG and HMG glasses and compared the element contents in plant ash glass,
natron glass and mixed alkali glass. The opacity of glass was ascribed to crystals of Si.
The Cu: Sn ratio did not, in their opinion, show any regularity and the dependence on bronze, often assumed, could not be confirmed. Copper could have been used for colouring;
also cobalt of unknown origin was found.
Analyses by laser ablation of Final Bronze Age beads have been conducted as part of
a large research project in France, but to date only a summary of results without detailed
analytical data is currently available (Billaud – Gratuze 2002; Gratuze – Billaud 2003).
An Italian research project enabled Angelini and her collaborators to play a principal
rôle in the archaeometrical research of LMHK glasses, as well as of Bronze Age glasses
in Italy in general (for an introduction to the project see Angelini et al. 2002). The LMHK
composition was found not only to characterise north Italian Final Bronze Age glass beads,
that is after 1200 B.C., but also the vitreous component of glassy faience buttons of the
Middle Bronze Age, c. 1700–1450 B.C. Also, according to samples from different parts
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of Europe, the glass phase of the faience beads dating to the Early Bronze Age could have
been produced with LMHK glass (Angelini et al. 2006b; Bellintani et al. 2006; Tite – Shortland – Angelini 2008). Given the variability in texture of Bronze Age vitreous materials,
Bellintani et al. (2006) have suggested the following classification: 1. faience: glass phase
scarcely distributed, Xm < 0.25–0.30; 2. glassy faience: glass and crystalline phases are
of a comparable volume, 0.40 < Xm < 0.60; 3. glass: glass phase forms almost the whole
material, 0.80 < Xm. Crystalline phases in Bronze Age glasses have been the subject of
further studies (Artioli – Angelini – Polla 2008).
An assemblage of eleven samples of glass waste and beads from Frattesina was analysed
by Angelini et al. (2004) using EPMA a SEM-EDS, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Three components of LMHK glass were
considered apart from colourants: 1. almost pure Si, 2. glass stabilisers CaO, MgO, and
3. alkali (Na2O, K2O) possibly from plant ash. Non-homogenities in glass, such as quartz
inclusions, were also documented. The authors suggested that a controlled production process
was involved because of the existence of two classes of glass amongst the Frattesina samples
showing two different ratios of Na2O : K2O, which indicate two different sources of alkali.
Dark blue glass was coloured using Co+Mo (+Ni, As) and a metallic source for Co may
also be presumed. Red colour could have been achieved by control of Cu oxidation.
A considerable number of further analyses of LMHK glasses from Italy were conducted
by Angelini and her team (see references to the map fig. 1). In spite of using chemical,
mineralogical and Pricipal Components Analysis on a large number of samples, they were
unable to help to suggest whether one or more centres produced LMHK glass (Angelini
et al. 2009). Based on analyses of over 130 objects, Angelini et al. (2011) have been able
to characterise the development of chemical glass types during the Italian Bronze Age and
Early Iron Age.
Following Hartmann et al. (1997), archaeometric research of LMHK beads has been
carried out by Lorenz (2006), who analysed beads from the hoard of Allendorf, mentioned
above. The origin of the LMHK glass of the Pfahlbauperlen beads present in the hoard is
presumed to be ash from plants such as beech, fern or Salicornia, and pure siliceous sand.
Typologically different beads from the hoard belong, though, to other, HMG (plant ash) and
LMG (natron) glasses. If the change from plant ash to natron glass occurred c. 9th century
in the Middle East then the occurrence of plant ash glass, natron glass and mixed-alkali
glass in the Ha B3/Ha C Allendorf assemblage is a reflection of when the three chemical
glass types – products of the Middle East and Europe – met north of the Alps at the turn of
the Late Bronze Age and Hallstatt period, and demonstrates the diversified origin of beads
at that time.
The LMHK glass from Elateia in Greece shows some differencies in its composition
compared to north Italian glass, representing perhaps another manufacturing centre (Nikita –
Henderson 2006).
Today, over 30 sites in Europe (including the Bohemian sites described in this paper)
provided the Late and Final Bronze age glasses of the LMHK type (fig. 1). To that, a number of sites from France unpublished as yet will undoubtedly be added.
Recognition of the development of chemical types of glass used in the Bronze Age and
Early Iron Age in Europe can be regarded as one of the principal results of archaeometric
research in recent decades. Using the Central European periodisation and following, a.o.,
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Henderson 1988a; Hartmann et al. 1994; Billaud – Gratuze 2002; Angelini et al. 2011 it may
be summarised thus: The HMG glass, where alkalis were gained from plant ash, was supposedly made in the Near East from about the Middle Bronze Age up to the beginning of
the Early Iron Age or Hallstatt period (1500 to c. 800 B.C.). The LMHK glass (with a mixed
alkali content) is considered to be a local continental European achievement found already
in the glass phase of faience beads or buttons of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, and
particularly in the glass of Late Bronze Age and Final Bronze Age beads (c. 1200–900 B.C.).
The LMG glass (containing alkalis of mineral origin – natron) was produced in the Mediterranean since the 9th century, with early examples from the tomb of Nesikhons in Egypt
dated to 975/974 (Schlick-Nolte – Werthmann 2003), when it largely replaced the plant ash
glass and remained in use until c. the 9th century AD.
List of analysed glass samples from Bohemia
Twenty-three samples from nineteen beads found at four sites were submitted for analysis.
Blue-green glass was analysed in all beads, and also the white decoration in the four polychrome beads. The sample numbers given below correspond to the numbering in the VITREA
database of prehistoric to post-medieval glass analyses results from the Czech Republic
(http://www.arup.cas.cz/cz/VITREA/index.htm; see Venclová et al. 2010). Dimensions of
beads given in mm. Abbreviations: D – outer diameter, d – perforation diameter, h – height
(for measuring of beads, see Venclová 1990, 315, Pl. 1). For find contexts see above. Figs. 2
and 3.
Holubice, distr. Praha-západ
Sample 620: bead no. 1 – double bead, or two fused annular beads; blue-green translucent, some red inclusions. D 5.5, d 2, h total 3.5, h of individual beads 1.5 and 2.
Sample 621: bead no. 2 – annular, blue-green translucent. D 4.5, d 2, h 2.
Sample 622: bead no. 3 – annular, blue-green translucent. D 5, d 2, h 1.5.
Sample 623: bead no. 4 – annular, blue-green translucent. D 5, d 2.5, h 2–2.5.
Sample 624: bead no. 5 – annular, blue-green translucent. D 5.5, d 3, h 1–2.5.
Sample 625: bead no. 6 – annular, blue-green; semi-translucent. D 5, d 2, h 2–2.5.
Sample 626: bead no. 7 – annular, blue-green; semi-translucent. D 5.5, d 2.5, h 2–3.
Sample 627: bead no. 8 – annular, blue-green translucent. D 5.5, d 2, h 2.5.
Sample 628: bead no. 9 – annular, blue-green; deformed by fire, dull surface, traces of red glass inside
the perforation. D 5, d 1–3, h 1.5–2.5.
Obory, distr. Příbram
Sample 734: annular bead, blue-green translucent, traces of red glass at the perforation. D 5–5.5, d 2,
h 2–3. Grave 106.
Sample 735: annular bead, blue-green translucent. D 5, d 2.5, h 2. Grave 126.
Řepín, distr. Mělník
Sample 736: fusiform bead, blue-green translucent with white spirally wound thread fused into the surface.
D 5–6.5, d 2.5, h 11. Museum (M) Mělník inv. no. 4734.
Sample 737: same bead, white decoration.
Sample 738: fusiform bead, blue-green translucent with white spirally wound thread in relief. D 5–5.5,
d 2.5, h 10.5. M Mělník inv. no. 4735.
Sample 739: same bead, white decoration.
568 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
Fig. 1. Sites of chemically analysed Late to Final Bronze Age (12th to 9th cent. B.C.) LMHK glasses. After
Angelini 2009, Angelini et al. 2002, Angelini et al. 2004, Angelini et al. 2005, Angelini et al. 2009, Angelini
et al. 2010, Angelini et al. 2011, Angelini – Nicola – Artioli 2006, Angelini – Polla – Artioli 2007, Angelini –
Polla – Molin 2010, Hartmann et al. 1997, Henderson 1988b, Henderson 1993a, Henderson 1993b, Lorenz
2006, Nikita – Henderson 2006, Raftery – Henderson 1987, Towle et al. 2001. Further sites from France
could not be mapped as their list remains unpublished (cf. Billaud – Gratuze 2002).
Obr. 1. Nálezy chemicky analyzovaných skel typu LMHK z mladší až pozdní doby bronzové (12. až 9. stol.
př. Kr.).
1 All Cannings Cross, 2 Allendorf, 3 Billy-le-Theil, 4 Bismantova, 5 Borken-Kleinenglis, 6 Bringairet–Grotte
(Armissan), 7 Clanezzo, 8 Elateia, 9 Fondo Paviani, 10 Fort Harrouard (Sorrel-Moussel), 11 Frattesina,
12 Freestone Hill, 13 Gazzo Veronese, 14 Golasecca – Ca’ Morta, 15 Hauterive-Champréveyres, 16 Holubice, 17 Chiusa di Pesio, 18 Lohfelden-Vollmarshausen, 19 Lough Gur, 20 Mariconda di Mellara, 21 Monte
Valestra, 22 Morano sul Po, 23 Narde, 24 Obory, 25 Rancogne, 26 Rathgall, 27 Réallon, 28 Řepín, 29 Salorno-Cava Girardi, 30 Sindou–Grotte (Sénaillac-Lauzès), 31 Thasos, 32 Tuchoměřice.
Tuchoměřice, distr. Praha-západ
Sample 740: annular bead, blue-green translucent. D 6, d 2.5, h 2–3. Grave 4. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/4, bag 1.
Sample 741: annular bead, blue-green translucent. D 5.5, d 3, h 2–2.5. Grave 4. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/4, bag 6.
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
569
Fig. 2. Analysed beads from Holubice,
distr. Praha-západ. Samples 620–628.
Photo H. Toušková.
Obr. 2. Analyzované korálky z Holubic,
okr. Praha-západ. Vzorky 620–628.
Foto H. Toušková.
Fig. 3. Analysed beads from Obory, distr. Příbram (samples 734–735), Řepín, distr. Mělník (samples 736–739)
and Tuchoměřice, distr. Praha-západ (samples 740–747). Photo H. Toušková.
Obr. 3. Analyzované korálky z Obor, okr. Příbram (vzorky 734–735), Řepína, okr. Mělník (vzorky 736–739)
a Tuchoměřic, okr. Praha-západ (vzorky 740–747). Foto H. Toušková.
Sample 742: annular bead, blue-green translucent. D 5–5.5, d 3, h 1.5–2. Grave 4. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/4,
bag 77.
Sample 743: annular bead fragment, blue translucent. D 6, d 3, h 1–2. Grave 6. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/6.
Sample 744: four-horned bead, green-blue translucent, white rings on the horns. D 12.5–15, d 3, h 7–8.5.
Grave 12. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/12.
Sample 745: same bead, white decoration.
Sample 746: fusiform bead, blue-green translucent with white spirally wound thread fused into the surface.
D 5.5–9,5, d 3–3.5, h 23.5. Grave 16. M Roztoky acc. no. 05/16.
Sample 747: same bead, white decoration.
NV
570 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
Fig. 4. SE-BSE image of the
polished cross section of the
sample 620 from Holubice.
Obr. 4. SE-BSE obraz leštěného
řezu vzorku 620 z Holubic.
Fig. 5. SE-BSE image of the polished cross section of the sample 621 from Holubice.
Obr. 5. SE-BSE obraz leštěného
řezu vzorku 621 z Holubic.
SEM-EDS chemical analysis
The results obtained (tab. 1) can be considered as quantitative, with c. 5 % relative accuracy
for each element. The detection limits of the measured X-ray intensities for individual
elements of 0.05–0.1 %wt. are given. This depends on the relative atomic numbers of the
elements and matrices of the samples. The results for Sb are problematic because of the
almost complete coincidence of the CaKα and SbLα lines, and they must be considered
unreliable. Also, in some cases the signal of back-scattered and secondary electrons was
used to check the homogeneity and presence of inclusions and other phases in the analysed
samples (see Hulínský – Černá 2001).
The analysis was conducted in the Laboratory of the Department of Glass and Ceramics of the Institute
of Chemical Technology in Prague. The glasses were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
using a Hitachi S4700 field emission scanning microscope fitted with a energy dispersive spectrometer
(EDS) Thermo Scientific Ultra Dry Detector, model 4457G-IUES-SN-USA. An accelerating voltage of
Site
Glass
Na2O
MgO
Al2O3
SiO2
P2O5
SO3
Cl
K2O
CaO
MnO
Fe2O3
CoO
CuO
SnO2
Sb2O3
PbO
620
bg
8.54
0.44
1.75
74.64
n.d.
n.d.
0.14
7.54
1.90
n.d.
0.61
n.d.
4.21
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
621
bg
8.00
0.62
2.20
75.45
0.16
n.d.
n.d.
7.86
1.93
n.d.
0.44
n.d.
3.13
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
622
bg
8.77
0.63
1.82
75.12
n.d.
0.11
0.20
7.24
1.88
n.d.
0.35
n.d.
3.74
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
623
bg
7.20
0.81
1.97
75.78
n.d.
n.d.
0.21
8.00
1.83
n.d.
0.37
n.d.
3.83
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
624
bg
6.89
0.83
1.95
75.74
0.28
n.d.
0.24
7.91
1.88
n.d.
0.52
n.d.
3.76
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
625
bg
5.88
0.62
1.93
78.12
n.d.
n.d.
0.11
8.63
1.12
n.d.
0.59
n.d.
3.01
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
626
bg
6.55
0.55
2.19
75.07
n.d.
n.d.
0.13
8.88
1.54
n.d.
0.67
n.d.
4.41
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
627
bg
6.77
0.70
2.06
75.84
n.d.
0.15
0.12
9.29
1.10
n.d.
0.53
n.d.
3.46
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Holubice
628
bg
6.53
0.82
1.94
75.81
n.d.
n.d.
0.23
8.78
1.73
n.d.
0.44
n.d.
3.72
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Obory 106
734
bg
5.10
0.29
1.47
76.66
n.d.
0.07
0.17
10.05
1.85
0.33
0.55
n.d.
3.17
n.d.
n.d.
0.29
Obory 126
735
bg
5.62
0.47
0.64
77.29
n.d.
0.11
0.04
9.71
1.83
n.d.
0.55
0.13
3.60
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Řepín 4734
736
bg
7.51
0.48
0.95
78.10
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
8.54
1.53
n.d.
0.25
0.30
2.34
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Řepín 4734
737
w
2.59
n.d.
2.36
53.82
n.d.
0.52
0.42
15.66
12.56
n.d.
1.45
2.77
1.87
5.15
0.37
0.46
Řepín 4735
738
bg
1.95
n.d.
0.21
65.52
n.d.
0.57
n.d.
15.75
3.01
n.d.
1.68
n.d.
9.55
n.d.
1.76
n.d.
Řepín 4735
739
w
2.91
0.31
0.20
73.84
n.d.
0.02
n.d.
14.02
7.66
n.d.
0.61
0.14
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
0.29
Tuchoměřice 4
740
bg
4.92
0.04
0.86
74.19
n.d.
0.09
0.16
10.98
2.11
n.d.
0.56
n.d.
4.42
0.79
0.65
0.22
Tuchoměřice 4
741
bg
3.55
0.33
0.76
74.97
n.d.
n.d.
0.03
10.99
2.14
0.27
0.53
0.31
5.81
n.d.
0.22
0.09
Tuchoměřice 4
742
bg
4.92
0.22
1.01
75.48
n.d.
n.d.
0.14
10.14
2.04
n.d.
0.30
0.11
4.35
0.69
0.43
0.16
Tuchoměřice 6
743
bg
9.22
0.83
1.68
75.46
0.26
0.03
0.10
7.24
1.03
0.05
0.58
n.d.
2.97
0.45
n.d.
0.09
Tuchoměřice 12
744
bg
6.81
n.d.
0.60
76.37
n.d.
n.d.
0.14
10.85
1.99
n.d.
0.90
n.d.
2.34
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
Tuchoměřice 12
745
w
2.98
0.17
0.65
88.35
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
5.44
1.41
n.d.
0.38
n.d.
0.27
0.31
n.d.
n.d.
Tuchoměřice 16
746
bg
9.65
1.84
1.15
72.04
0.27
n.d.
0.42
6.38
4.78
n.d.
0.07
0.12
1.85
0.89
0.52
n.d.
Tuchoměřice 16
747
w
7.01
1.29
0.97
73.06
0.71
n.d.
0.67
6.86
5.94
n.d.
0.96
n.d.
1.45
0.24
0.83
n.d.
571
Tab. 1. SEM-EDS microanalysis. Contents in %wt. Glass: bg blue-green matrix, w white decoration.
Tab. 1. Mikroanalýza SEM-EDS. Obsahy v %hm. Sklo: bg modrozelená matrice, w bílá výzdoba.
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
Sample
Holubice
572 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
Fig. 6. Correlation of K2O and Na2O contents in the analysed glasses.
Obr. 6. Korelace obsahů K2O a Na2O v analyzovaných sklech.
Fig. 7. Correlation of K2O and MgO contents in the analysed glasses.
Obr. 7. Korelace obsahů K2O a MgO v analyzovaných sklech.
15 kV and beam current of primary electrons c. 120 pA were used. Polished areas of c. 0.5–1 mm2 were
prepared on selected points of each glass object so that the corrosion layer on the surface was removed and
geometric conditions precisely determined so as to define the take-off angle of the spectrometer. The smooth
surface of the glass was then analysed. Analytical spectra were produced for at least three places on the
archaeological sample in an area of 100x100 micrometres; the spectra were collected for 100s. Thus the
migration of alkali ions from the analysed volume was minimised. The quantification of measured spectra
was performed by a ZAF iteration program using the reference glass standard Corning Glass B which was
obtained thanks to R. Brill, The Corning Museum of Glass, USA.
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
573
Homogeneity of analysed glasses
Prior to the analyses, it was necessary to study the samples by means of back-scattered
and secondary electrons imaging so that homogeneous areas of the glass could be identified.
Samples were more or less translucent and sometimes even opaque. The latter indicates that
they contain primary unfused particles or secondary phases that disperse light (figs. 4 and 5).
Corresponding to the analyses carried out elsewhere (Angelini et al. 2004; Towle et al. 2001;
Henderson 1993a; Santopadre – Verità 2000) it was found that the blue-green glass of the
samples can be characterised as a mixture of undissolved grains up to 200 micrometres in
size, apparently tridymite (the high-temperature phase of quartz, where the transformation
temperature reaches 870 °C), containing cracks as a result of the differential thermal expansion/contraction of the glass and crystals during cooling. Besides these large crystals
of tridymite, small dendritic crystals could also be observed as products of the secondary
crystallisation of glass during cooling. Moreover, the glass contains pale inclusions rich
in Ti (similar observations have been made by Henderson 1993a and Angelini et al. 2004)
and mostly globular particles of metallic character (Cu). In the glass phase there is also
a quantity of bubbles. All samples can be characterised as being a transitional phase between
glassy faience and glass, with a large volume of the glass phase.
Analytical results
The analytical results are shown in tab. 1 and figs. 6 and 7. With the exception of one
sample (see below), all glasses contained both sodium and potassium (alkali) ions and can
be identified as the so-called mixed-alkali glasses. This class of glass is characterised, a.o.,
by a high resistance to corrosion. This is demonstrated in archaeological finds by the
exceptional preservation of such glass objects, which otherwise would not be possible,
considering the very low presence of stabilising bivalent ions in the oxide (CaO).
Matrix glass. The largest group of analysed glasses (94.7 % of all matrix glasses, with the
exception of sample 738) have average contents of Na2O = 7.24 %wt., K2O = 8.24 %wt.
and CaO = 1.66 %wt., with an average sum of the alkalis K2O+Na2O = 15.48 %wt., ratio
K2O/Na2O = 1.66 and average contents of MgO = 0.58 %wt. (with the exception of sample 746). These glasses undoubtedly belong to the LMHK chemical type which has been
found in high concentrations in the Frattesina workshop and on other sites in north Italy,
and is characterised by the ratio K2O/Na2O = 1–2 and MgO contents under 1 %wt. (Henderson 1988a; Angelini et al. 2004; Angelini – Polla – Molin 2010). A negative correlation
between the contents of K2O and Na2O can also be observed.
As already stated, one exception was found. In sample 738 from Řepín (a bead with
white decoration) K2O markedly prevails and the glass could be described as a potassiumrich silica glass. This sample also has high contents of CuO, Fe2O3, CaO and a very low
content of SiO2. Also the total alkaline oxides are much higher than 15.48 %wt. Similar
finds have been published from Frattesina, sample FRV4 by Angelini et al. (2004) and
sample 236 by Towle et al. (2001), and Thasos (Henderson 1993b). This could indicate
a different source of K-ions, or a different method of ash leaching.
Another sample, 746 from Tuchoměřice, again a bead with white decoration, differs
from the others by the content of MgO exceeding 1 %wt., and by a much higher content
574 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
of CaO than other samples. The high content of P2O5 established in this sample was also
found in samples 621, 624 a 743. A similar value of P2O5 was provided by the Frattesina
sample FRBR-R (Angelini et al. 2004). Again, a different leaching process of the plant ash
may be responsible.
Samples 740, 742, 743 and 746 show a higher content of SnO2. In some cases it may
correspond to the content of Pb, and both elements could have been introduced from bronze.
The same applies to the presence of Cu.
Colourants in the matrix glass. The colouring of the analysed blue-green glass of the bead
matrices is in all cases the result of the content of CuO in a range of c. 2.5–11.79 %wt.
Also cobalt was found in samples 736, 741, 742 and 746 with CoO present at up to 0.3 %wt.
In samples 738 and 744 the colour of glass could have also been influenced by the higher
content of Fe2O3 of around 1 %wt. (FeO around 0.9 %wt.).
White glass used as decoration. The white opaque glass of bead decoration is represented
by samples 737, 739, 745 a 747. Apart from sample 745, the white glass of the other three
samples is correlated with a higher content of CaO. In all cases, white glass has a lower
content of CuO compared to the blue-green glass. In sample 737, a very small amount of
SiO2 was found and at the same time a very high content of CoO and SnO2. Samples 737
and 739 are remarkable by their high contents of K2O (15.66 and 14.02 %) and low contents
of Na2O, which can indicate a different source of raw materials used and was also found
in sample 738 (the matrix of sample 739). Sample 745 was characterised by a higher content
of SiO2 and low content of CaO. Sample 747 had higher P2O5 and MgO contents together
with a higher Cl content.
The high content of calcium oxide was noticed in white glass from Hauterives-Champréveyres by Henderson (1993). Quartz grains were found in white glass of some French
samples by Billaud and Gratuze (2002) who pointed out that the white material used for
decoration resembles faience rather than glass, and that no opacifying agent was added.
However, calcium antimonate crystals were found in the white glass from Elateia (Nikita –
Henderson 2006, 101) and antimony was also present in the white sample 747 from Tuchoměřice. Many crystalline inclusions and the nucleation of Ca silicates in white glass were
observed by Angelini – Polla – Artioli (2007, 146) and Artioli – Angelini – Polla (2008,
249–250). According to the high content of Ca (CaO 5.94 to 12.56 %) and Fe (FeO 0.55
to 1.3 %wt.), samples 737, 739 and 747 could belong to Group 1 of the white glasses from
Narde (Angelini – Polla – Molin 2010, 128), but sample 745 seems to be atypical and might
be classified as siliceous faience.
VH
Trace element analysis
Three samples of turquoise glass from Holubice were chemically analysed using Laserablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LAICPMS) at the British Geological Survey, Keyworth, UK, in order to determine their trace element concentrations.
The LA-ICP-MS consisted of a NewWave UP193FX excimer (193nm) laser system with
built in microscope imaging coupled to an Agilent 7500 series ICP-MS. Data was collected
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
575
in a time resolved analysis mode, with a glass blank being measured before a series of glass
ablations, including on the standards, were carried out. Three replicate ablations were
performed on each sample. Each ablation peak was individually integrated. Calibration was
performed using the NIST SRM612 glass standard (nominal 500 mg/kg concentrations)
with quality control being provided by the NIST SRM610 glass (nominal 500 mg/kg concentrations). Element concentrations were taken from the GeoRem website preferred values
compilation (http://georem.mpch-mainz.gwdg.de). The results were normalised to the silica
content as determined by electron microprobe analysis to account for differences in laser
ablation efficiency. There is a generally good agreement between the elements determined
using electron microprobe and the LAICPMS.
The presence of trace element impurities in ancient glass can help to suggest the types
and purities of the raw materials used to make it. Clearly the presence of trace elements
should be seen in association with the electron microprobe results (tab. 2). Certain trace
elements can be assumed to be associated with the silica used to make glass, such as neodymium (Nd), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), thorium (Th) and uranium (U); their presence
being the result of their high concentrations within detrital minerals such as zircon, rutile etc.
that may be found within sand sources. Others, like alumina (Al) and iron (Fe) are almost
certainly also associated with silica, although both of these can also be introduced with
colorant-rich minerals. Chromium is also often associated with minerals like chromite found
in sands, but can also be found in ashed plants suitable for glass making (Henderson et al.
2010, 12, fig. 4). Overall, the variation in the trace element concentrations in the three
samples, as reflected by the standard deviations, is relatively low. This provides a degree
of confidence that the analytical points have not included crystals.
The neodymium (Nd) levels found in the three glass samples are at levels of between
2 and 3 ppm. This shows that the silica source used to make the glasses was relatively pure,
perhaps a quartz sand. The Nd levels are slightly higher than the levels found in Mesopotamian Late Bronze Age glasses for which it has been suggested crushed quartz pebbles
were used as a silica source. The Nd levels are lower than found in virtually all Egyptian
Late Bronze Age glasses for which we have results (Henderson – Evans – Nikita 2010,
tab. 1, fig. 3c) and for which a relatively impure sand has been suggested as the probable
silica source. While not especially surprising, this indicates that silica of a different purity,
and probably from a different source from the silica used to make Egyptian and Mesopotamia glass was used to make the Holubice glasses. The three samples contain between
1.75 % and 2.2 % alumina which supports the idea that a sand source was involved in
their production, being associated with the presence of feldspar in sand. The very low levels
of thorium and uranium show that the sand source is unlikely to be of a granitic origin.
Zirconium has been detected at between 15 and 20 ppm in the three samples. This again
suggests that the sand used was relatively pure and is at a distinctively lower level than
found in Levantine sand (for example).
Turning to the type of alkali used to manufacture the three glasses, the trace and minor
elements normally associated with plant ashes are magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), strontium (Sr), and sometimes barium (Ba). Barium is often found at elevated levels in wood
ashes. If purified plant/wood ashes were used as a source of alkali to make the glass, then the
relatively low strontium (at between 110 and 130 ppm) associated with calcium is possibly
to be expected, because the calcium levels would have been reduced by the ash purification
Sample ppm
620
620
620
mean
s.d
620
620
620
mean
s.d
621
621
621
mean
s.d
621
621
621
mean
s.d
622
622
622
mean
s.d
622
622
622
mean
s.d
ppm
Li7
B11
29
29
20
17
22
19
23
22
4.576 5.979
Mo95 Sn120
0.4
2873
0.4
2762
0.4
2831
0.4
2822
0.005 55.853
ppm
Na23
54667
53640
55192
54500
789.506
Sb121
29
27
29
28
1.001
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
Mn55 Fe56 Co59 Ni60
Cu63
Zn66 As75
118
3827
14
20
33862
42
50
114
3683
14
19
31792
39
44
119
3864
14
21
32709
41
50
117
3791
14
20
32788
41
48
2.660 95.635 0.099 0.978 1037.349 1.361 3.348
Tb159 Dy163 Ho165 Er166 Tm169 Yb172 Lu175
0.08
0.50
0.10
0.25
0.031
0.24 0.047
0.08
0.50
0.10
0.23
0.027
0.22 0.040
0.08
0.56
0.09
0.27
0.040
0.28 0.044
0.08
0.52
0.10
0.25
0.033
0.25 0.043
0.000 0.031 0.004 0.020 0.007
0.028 0.003
Rb85 Sr88 Y89 Zr90
80
135
2.7
15
76
130
2.6
15
78
137
2.7
15
78
134
5.3
15
2.324 3.732 0.051 0.350
Hf178 Pb208 Th232 U238
0.5
133
1.1
0.3
0.4
121
1.0
0.2
0.4
130
1.1
0.3
0.4
128
1.1
0.3
0.057 6.417 0.083 0.019
Nb93
1.1
1.1
1.2
1.1
0.063
Ti47
V51 Cr52 Mn55 Fe56 Co59 Ni60
Cu63
Zn66 As75
471
10.0
8.8
127
4893
17
28
32943
48
54
424
9.0
8.8
118
4613
15
25
29216
44
50
383
8.4
8.1
111
4246
14
22
26043
41
48
426
9.1
8.6
119
4584
15
25
29401
45
51
44.131 0.783 0.394 7.987 324.462 1.488 2.773 3453.900 3.665 3.305
Sm147 Eu153 Gd157 Tb159 Dy163 Ho165 Er166 Tm169 Yb172 Lu175
0.57
0.13
0.54
0.08
0.58
0.11
0.30
0.039
0.32 0.037
0.68
0.13
0.66
0.11
0.65
0.12
0.30
0.063
0.29 0.049
0.56
0.12
0.46
0.07
0.37
0.11
0.32
0.037
0.26 0.049
0.61
0.13
0.55
0.09
0.53
0.11
0.31
0.046
0.29 0.045
0.068 0.008 0.101 0.020 0.144 0.006 0.013 0.014
0.031 0.007
Rb85 Sr88 Y89 Zr90
77
126
3.2
18
73
125
3.4
20
67
107
2.8
16
73
119
3.2
18
4.947 10.866 0.320 1.970
Hf178 Pb208 Th232 U238
0.4
118
1.1
0.4
0.5
106
1.2
0.3
0.4
100
1.0
0.3
0.4
108
1.1
0.3
0.065 9.116 0.126 0.043
Nb93
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.4
0.053
Rb85 Sr88 Y89 Zr90
79
128
2.4
13
77
131
2.4
13
68
112
2.0
12
75
124
2.3
13
6.072 10.316 0.238 0.832
Hf178 Pb208 Th232 U238
0.4
131
1.0
0.3
0.3
131
0.9
0.2
0.3
117
0.9
0.2
0.3
127
0.9
0.2
0.023 7.981 0.048 0.021
Nb93
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.043
Mg24
Al27
Si28
P31
K39
Ca42
Ti47
V51
4044
7262 348898 468
60879
12072
325
7.4
4051
7228 348898 415
58581
11779
310
7.2
4179
7833 348898 459
60069
12367
320
7.8
4091
7441 348898 447
59843
12073
318
7.5
75.804 339.731 0.000 28.398 1165.827 294.280 8.046 0.325
Cs133 Ba138 La139 Ce140 Pr141
Nd146 Sm147 Eu153
0.40
67
3.2
6.0
0.69
2.4
0.60
0.13
0.37
63
2.9
5.7
0.61
2.5
0.51
0.13
0.44
65
3.0
5.9
0.58
2.6
0.65
0.11
0.40
65
3.0
5.9
0.63
2.5
0.59
0.12
0.036
1.921
0.129 0.171 0.055
0.074
0.068 0.014
Li7
B11
Na23
Mg24
Al27
39
24
58812
5135
9904
37
22
52098
4733
10210
35
20
50766
4278
8838
37
22
53892
4715
9650
1.845 2.209 4312.533 428.744 720.447
Mo95 Sn120 Sb121 Cs133 Ba138
0.4
3180
34
0.49
58
0.4
2649
29
0.47
59
0.3
2373
28
0.44
50
0.4
2734
30
0.47
56
0.053 410.442 3.223
0.025
4.486
Si28
P31
K39
Ca42
352684 667
71369
13743
352684 646
62034
13094
352684 549
56936
11535
352684 621
63446
12790
0.000 62.767 7319.848 1134.961
La139 Ce140 Pr141
Nd146
3.2
7.2
0.78
3.0
3.6
7.1
0.78
3.1
2.9
6.3
0.68
2.6
3.2
6.9
0.75
2.9
0.328 0.505 0.057
0.294
Li7
B11
Na23
Mg24
Al27
Si28
P31
K39
Ca42
Ti47
V51
21
21
60925
4515
7330 351141 516
58933
12135
323
7.6
22
20
59314
4197
6960 351141 476
60179
12274
317
7.4
19
20
53622
3909
6558 351141 426
53876
11083
310
7.4
21
20
57954
4207
6949 351141 473
57663
11830
317
7.5
1.559 0.784 3836.722 303.163 386.232 0.000 45.082 3338.046 651.278 6.204 0.128
Mo95 Sn120 Sb121 Cs133 Ba138 La139 Ce140 Pr141
Nd146 Sm147 Eu153
0.4
2811
29
0.42
61
2.6
5.6
0.59
2.2
0.56
0.13
0.5
2758
29
0.40
63
2.7
5.7
0.56
2.2
0.59
0.09
0.4
2610
27
0.40
55
2.5
5.1
0.55
2.2
0.63
0.12
0.4
2726
28
0.41
60
2.6
5.5
0.57
2.2
0.59
0.11
0.048 103.961 1.109
0.011
3.856
0.095 0.328 0.023
0.034
0.035 0.021
ppm
Cr52
8.3
8.0
8.5
8.2
0.237
Gd157
0.51
0.55
0.54
0.53
0.019
Cr52
8.5
8.3
7.7
8.2
0.405
Gd157
0.41
0.52
0.47
0.46
0.054
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
Mn55 Fe56 Co59 Ni60
Cu63
Zn66 As75
123
3928
15
21
35202
42
49
120
3855
15
20
34532
40
52
111
3466
13
19
30678
37
44
118
3750
14
20
33471
40
49
6.293 248.569 0.808 1.042 2441.842 2.608 3.891
Tb159 Dy163 Ho165 Er166 Tm169 Yb172 Lu175
0.06
0.46
0.09
0.28
0.043
0.23 0.036
0.06
0.46
0.09
0.23
0.030
0.23 0.039
0.05
0.39
0.06
0.21
0.027
0.23 0.029
0.06
0.44
0.08
0.24
0.033
0.23 0.035
0.007 0.042 0.014 0.037 0.009
0.002 0.005
ppm
ppm
ppm
Tab. 2. LAICPMS analysis. Trace element concentrations in three samples of glass from Holubice (3 analytical spots per sample; mean and standard deviations) normalised to silica.
Tab. 2. Analýza LAICPMS. Koncentrace stopových prvků ve třech vzorcích skla z Holubic (analyzována 3 místa na vzorku; průměrné a standardní deviace) normalizované vzhledem k Si.
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
577
(see above). The low barium levels at between 50 and 65 ppm however could indicate that
a mixed potassium and sodium-rich mineral source of alkali cannot be ruled out. If this
is the case, then it could also explain the low levels of strontium, magnesium and calcium
in the glasses and it would not be necessary to resort to explaining the low levels of magnesium and calcium as resulting from ash purification.
As noted above the levels of copper and tin in the glass samples suggest that scrap
bronze was used to colour the glass. The very low trace levels of some transition metals
(Zn, Co, Ni) show that they did not form significant impurities in the original copper ore
bodies used. Iron may well have been introduced as part of a mineral impurity in the sand.
Thus it can be seen that these three sets of trace element results for mixed alkali glasses provide additional, though not definitive, evidence for the purities and types of raw
materials used to make the glass.
JH, SC
Discussion of the analytical results
According to chemical analyses, the glasses studied from Bohemia belong, with one exception, to the LMHK glass of the Late Bronze Age (Final Bronze Age in Italian terminology)
described by several authors (namely Henderson 1988a; 1993a; Brill 1992; Santopadre –
Verità 2000; Towle et al. 2001; Angelini et al. 2004; Lorenz 2006; Angelini – Polla – Molin
2010). The composition of these glasses is comparable to the glass produced in Frattesina
and perhaps other sites in north Italy. Also the texture of the analysed glasses is almost
identical with that of the Frattesina glasses according to Angelini et al. (2004), Towle et al.
(2001, sample 221) or Santopadre – Verità (2000). The contents of the main glass constituents as well as colouring elements indicate a high level of specialisation in the glass
production. The source of alkali is still a matter of debate; most often a leached plant ash is
considered to be the cause. In our opinion, the explanation of the mixed alkali and the low
Mg and Ca contents in this glass could be the use of leached ash either from the mixture
of local continental and maritime plants, the latter perhaps from the nearby Adriatic shore,
or from local plants containing a similar Na/K ratio. However, these explanations must
remain hypothetical until such marsh plants are identified and analysed. Their composition
could be related to the specific fluvial conditions at the site of Frattesina in the Italian Final
Bronze Age (Arenoso Callipo – Bellintani 1994). Moreover, since not all components of
plants are transferred directly into the glass when it is made because of the melting conditions, it can be difficult to establish which plant genera and/or species were used using the
chemical analyses of the glasses (Barkoudah – Henderson 2006). In addition, we hypothesise that a mineral source of alkali is an alternative.
Matrix glass of the sample 738, but also the white glasses – samples 737 and 739 from
Řepín – are conspicuous because of their high K2O contents, at around 15 %, resulting in
a much higher K2O/Na2O ratio than in other samples. This could indicate a different source
of alkali, a different geological source for the plant or that a different plant ashing procedure was used. Sample 746 from Tuchoměřice with its MgO content over the normal 1 %
(at 1.8 %) and high content of CaO (4.78 %) and P2O5 (0.27 %) could also reflect a differing ash leaching process. The last two samples could most probably be considered as
578 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
random deviations from the commonly and rather precisely followed formula of typical
LMHK glasses, although other explanations are possible. One such possibility is that the
glass was made in a different location from the mixed-alkali glasses.
The matrix colouring agent CuO has been identified in almost all cases. It may have
been introduced from bronze, especially when Sn is also present. Sometimes, another
colourant – cobalt was present, possibly introduced from a mineral source.
VH, JH
Archeological considerations
The results of chemical analyses correspond to the typological properties of the investigated
beads. Most beads are visually similar in their colour, translucency and quality of glass.
It is remarkable that the exceptional bead – sample 738, and also sample 746 – belong to
the polychrome beads decorated by white glass. The other polychrome beads, samples 736
and 744, do not differ in their matrix glass from other beads. The white glasses are quite
variable; samples 737 and 739 from Řepín both have a very high content of K2O. It is a fact
that polychrome beads are visually considerably different each from the other. However
the number of samples are too low for drawing significant conclusions. The theory can be
advanced that the raw glass used in some of the polychrome beads could have been made
in different workshops, or resulted from different melting conditions for that used to make
glass in the simple monochrome beads. The more or less similar chemical composition of
the LMHK glass beads found in the context of the Knovíz culture in Bohemia could be
the result of a one-time delivery of glass products from one or more than one workshop
distributed there during a relatively short time span.
It should be noted here that Late Bronze Age glass of different chemical properties have
also been identified in Bohemia. A few beads of the Lausitz culture from Mladá BoleslavČejetičky (B C2-D) and Jeřice (Ha A) and others of the Silesian-Platěnice culture from
Dražkovice (Ha B1), all in east Bohemia, and also one Lausitz culture bead from Gorszewice
in Greater Poland (Ha C or earlier) analysed by Frána and Maštalka (Frána – Maštalka –
Venclová 1987, tab. 3, samples 17 and 47; Frána – Maštalka 1990, tab. 7; for the archaeological context see Venclová 1990, 218–219; Malinowski 1990, 23–25) belong not to LMHK
but to HMG (plant ash) glass (see also Henderson 1988b, fig. 3).
The typological and chemical properties of glass beads found in the Late Bronze Age
Knovíz culture context of Bohemia provide very strong evidence for their origin in north
Italy. These beads are a prominent marker of interregional contacts between regions north
and south of the Alps. The glass workshop at Frattesina, where – as well as some other possible sites in the same region – the beads were apparently produced, was active at a settlement with some central functions and with trans-alpine contacts (Towle et al. 2001, 11).
Hypothetically, glass beads could have been one of the reciprocal articles in the trade with
Alpine copper as indicated in the territory north of the Alps including Bohemia with the
support of the chemical analyses of bronzes in local hoards (Jiráň ed. et al. 2008, 242).
The different chemical types of glass beads in the Knovíz culture area on one hand and
in the Lausitz and Silesian-Platěnice Urnfield cultures of east Bohemia and Greater Poland
on the other could reflect differently oriented trade (in glass, if not other items) in the Late
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
579
Bronze Age. The LMHK glass in the Knovíz context indicates a more or less direct southnorth route from north Italy across the Alps to the western Urnfield cultures including west
and central Bohemia, while the HMG glasses from the contemporary Lausitz culture context in east Bohemia (Jeřice, Mladá Boleslav-Čejetičky, Dražkovice) and Greater Poland
(Gorszewice) perhaps show that a more easterly route was used for the eastern Mediterranean products. The inter-connection between east Bohemia and Moravia in the Late
Bronze Age is attested by the content of bronze hoards (Jiráň 2010, 53), and further contacts are noticeable across the Carpathian Basin and to the south-east. These can be identified in the Moravian Lausitz Urnfields in Ha A and Ha B in contrast to the Middle Danubian Urnfields (Salaš 2005, 146–154). However, the small number of chemically analysed
glasses of the east Bohemian and Moravian Late Bronze Urnfield culture so far obtained
makes it at present impossible to regard this as more than a hypothesis.
NV
This paper has been made possible with the financial support of the Research Project reg. no. IAA800020903
of the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Our thanks are due to R. Korený
and A. Veselá for providing glass samples from Obory and Řepín and to Č. Čišecký and E. Čepeláková
for maps and graphics. The English was kindly revised by J. V. S. Megaw.
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Hrala, J. 2000: Profil knovízskou žárovou nekropolí u Obor. Archeologické rozhledy 52, 623–631.
Hulínský, V. – Černá, E. 2001: Microanalysis of early medieval glass beads and its importance in archaeological research. In: Annales du 15e Congrès de l’Association Internationale pour l’Histoire du Verre,
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Jiráň, L. 2010: Depoty kovových artefaktů doby bronzové v Čechách. Živá archeologie 11, 51–55.
Jiráň, L. ed. et al. 2008: Doba bronzová. Archeologie pravěkých Čech 5. Praha: Archeologický ústav AV ČR.
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— 2007: Jungbronzezeitliche Hortfunde in Böhmen. Prähistorische Bronzefunde XX, 12. Stuttgart: Franz
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Skla typu mixed alkali mladší doby bronzové v Čechách
V mladší době bronzové, v kontextu knovízské kultury (Ha A, 12. až 1. pol. 11. stol. př. Kr.), se vedle monochromních modrozelených skleněných korálků objevují, poprvé v českém pravěku, také korálky polychromní. Podle formálních vlastností byl jejich původ hledán v severoitalské Frattesině
(Venclová 1990, 41–44 s lit.). Možnost exaktní identifikace sklářských výrobků této doby z hlediska
jejich provenience a technologie však umožnila teprve analytická data k chemickému složení skel
z Frattesiny i dalších lokalit. To se nyní týká také českých nálezů, k nimž jsou k dispozici chemické
analýzy, provedené v posledních letech v rámci projektu IAA800020903 „Sklářství v pravěku a středověku: kulturní a technologické proměny“, podporovaného Grantovou agenturou AV ČR.
NV
Korálky z kontextu knovízské kultury
Výsledky bádání na konci 80. let 20. stol. shrnula N. Venclová (1990, 42–44) a současný stav
předvádí připojený soupis skel z 9 lokalit (detailně v anglickém textu). Přibyly početné nálezy z knovízských hrobů v Holubicích, Noutonicích a Tuchoměřicích (vše okr. Praha-západ), za něž vděčíme
zejména důslednému plavení výplní hrobů a obsahu uren.
Archeologická zjištění. S výjimkou jednoho korálku z depotu bronzů pocházejí všechny ostatní
pravděpodobně z popelnicových hrobů. Skleněné korálky obsahoval v Holubicích jeden z 8 hrobů,
v Tuchoměřicích 5 ze 32 hrobů. Antropologické určení pohřbených osob s korálky je k dispozici jen
ve dvou tuchoměřických případech: v hrobě 4/05 to byla mladá osoba ve věku 17–20 let a v hrobě 6/05
malé dítě. K následujícímu přehledu bylo k dispozici 44 výbav hrobů z pohřebišť, kde se vyskytly
skleněné korálky. Typicky mužská výbava korálky nedoprovázela v žádném případě. Inventář obsahující zlaté předměty (Tuchoměřice hr. 12/05 a Obory hr. 126) naznačuje vyšší sociální status pohřbených osob nosících korálky. Týká se to také hrobů obsahujících několik bronzových předmětů, což
platí o většině hrobů se sklem. Význam skla v této době naznačuje také přítomnost zmíněného skleněného korálku v depotu bronzových nádob a ozdob ze Středokluk. Vzhledem k uvedenému nálezovému kontextu a k faktu, že korálky představují v knovízské kultuře nadregionální importy, lze soudit,
že byly spíše majetkem elity a že snad sloužily k ochraně dětí a mladších jedinců (dívek?).
Formální vlastnosti korálků. Skleněné korálky byly zhotoveny technikou navíjení. Jejich sklo je
průsvitné, ale nehomogenní, takže se může jevit i jako opakní. Mají modrozelenou barvu v různých
odstínech, výjimečně se stopami červeného skla (Holubice, Obory). Vzácně se vyskytující výzdoba
je provedena bílým opakním sklem, v jednom případě snad i sklem modrým (Dolánky). Výjimečný
korál z Levous byl vyroben z bělavé, na povrchu světle zelené zrnité fajánse a technika jeho výroby nebyla zjištěna. Z typologického hlediska převažují drobné monochromní kroužkovité korálky;
ze zdobených se vyskytl vřetenovitý korál s bílou šroubovicí (Řepín, Tuchoměřice; v Levousech
v provedení z fajánse), čtyřcípý korál s bílými kroužky (Tuchoměřice) a oblý korál se čtyřmi snad
modrobílými oky (nezvěstný exemplář z Dolánek-Rubína).
NV, LŠ, JHlo
Evropský archeologický kontext korálků „typu Frattesina“ mladší doby bronzové
Polychromních korálků mladší doby bronzové (Final Bronze Age v italské periodizaci) si jako
prvá povšimla Th. E. Haevernick (1949–1950; 1978b), která je podle nálezů ze švýcarských sídlišť na
březích jezer označila jako nákolní perly – Pfahlbauperlen nebo Pfahlbaunoppenperlen (varianta
s pupky). Později byly tyto korálky objeveny spolu s doklady jejich místní výroby v severoitalské
výrobní lokalitě protovillanovské kultury Frattesina (Bietti-Sestieri 1980; 1981). Následovaly další
nálezy vizuálně podobných korálků v Irsku, Británii, České republice, Švýcarsku, Itálii, Německu,
Francii, Řecku a jinde zásluhou celé řady badatelů (zejména Raftery, Henderson, Rychner-Faraggi,
Gratuze, Hartmann, Lorenz, Bellintani). Lokalita Frattesina má pro studium těchto korálků mimořádný význam. Jde o výjimečné sídliště s řadou výrobních aktivit včetně bronzové metalurgie a s doklady interregionálních kontaktů (Arenoso Callipo – Bellintani 1994; Towle et al. 2001; Bellintani –
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
583
Stefan 2009). Nálezy odtud, z 12.–10. stol. př. Kr., zahrnují tyglíky se sklovinou, surové sklo a sklářský odpad a také kolem 3000 „nákolních“ skleněných korálků. Po chemické stránce jde o sklo typu
mixed alkali, jaký je popsán níže.
Archeometrie skla typu mixed alkali mladší doby bronzové
Chemické analýzy skel z Frattesiny a dalších nalezišť, které zahájili J. Henderson (Raftery –
Henderson 1987; Henderson 1988a; 1988b) a R. Brill (1992; 1999), nabídly zcela nový pohled na
tzv. nákolní korálky. Sklo bylo označeno jako mixed alkali, resp. podle Hendersona jako typ LMHK
(low magnesium – high potassium). Toto sklo obsahuje ca 6–9 % Na2O, 8–11 % K2O, 0,5–1,0 %
MgO a 2 % CaO. Bylo konstatováno, že jde o zcela nový, do té doby neznámý chemický typ skla
bez paralel mimo kontinentální Evropu. R. Brill (1992) se zabýval alternativami zdrojů alkálií použitých v tomto skle (loužený popel velkých dřevin, nečistá forma natronu kontaminovaná draselnými
solemi jako jsou evapority v Egyptě, nebo přirozeně se vyskytující nitráty, např. z hnoje). Chemicky
totožné sklo bylo pak identifikováno dalšími analýzami v Hauterive-Champréveyres ve Švýcarsku
a Henderson (1993a) upozornil, že současná mladobronzová a některá halštatská skla mohou mít také
jiné složení, které označil jako HMG (high magnesium), zatímco další typ – LMG (low magnesium)
byl běžný až od doby železné. Vystoupil s tezí, že skla typu LMHK byla vyráběna v severní Itálii
v době nedostatku skla v důsledku kolapsu mykénské kultury ve 12. stol. př. Kr. Zdroje surovin byly
dále zkoumány a některé experimenty vedou k domněnce, že potaš pro skla typu LMHK mohla být
získána loužením bukového popela (Hartmann et al. 1997). Analýzy více než stovky skel typu LMHK
ze severoitalských lokalit (Towle et al. 2001) vedly k poznání příčin opacity skla a jeho barvidel.
Výsledky velkého francouzského projektu analýz korálků mladší doby bronzové pomocí laserové
ablace (LA-ICP) nebyly ještě detailně publikovány (Billaud – Gratuze 2002; Gratuze – Billaud 2003).
Projekt realizovaný v Itálii zajistil I. Angelini a jejímu týmu významnou roli při výzkumu skel LMHK
i dalších skel doby bronzové a počínající doby železné. Chemický typ LMHK byl zjištěn v Itálii také
ve skelné fázi fajánsových předmětů, a to již od starší doby bronzové (Angelini et al. 2002; Angelini
et al. 2006b; Bellintani et al. 2006; Tite – Shortland – Angelini 2008). Zároveň byly klasifikovány
rozdíly mezi fajánsí, skelnou fajánsí a sklem podle podílu skelné fáze v materiálu (Bellintani et al.
2006; Artioli – Angelini – Polla 2008). Řada dalších výzkumů vedla k rozlišení dvou různých zdrojů
alkálií, k předpokladu existence více dílenských lokalit a také k poznání vývoje chemických typů skel
v době bronzové v Itálii (Angelini et al. 2004; 2009; 2011). Archeometrický výzkum skel ze známého
depotu v Allendorfu v Hessensku, provedený A. Lorenz (2006), ukázal na současný výskyt skel typu
LMHK, HMG a LMG v Ha B3/C, tedy přesně v období nástupu skel typu LMG, který nahradil předchozí typy, a také různorodý původ skleněných korálků nalézaných v Evropě. Odlišnosti ve složení
skel LMHK z lokality Elateia v Řecku oproti severoitalským korálkům naznačily možnou existenci
dalšího výrobního centra (Nikita – Henderson 2006). Podle současných chemických analýz jsou skla
typu LMHK mladší až pozdní doby bronzové (12. až 9. stol. př. Kr.) známa z více než 30 lokalit
v Evropě, k čemuž bude nutno ještě přičíst další nálezy z Francie, dosud nepublikované (obr. 1).
Za jeden z hlavních výsledků archeometrického výzkumu skla v posledních desetiletích lze bezpochyby označit poznání vývoje chemických typů skel v době bronzové a na počátku doby železné
v Evropě. Typ HMG byl vyráběn na Předním Východě z alkálií získaných z popela rostlin zhruba od
střední doby bronzové do počátku halštatského období (1500 až 800–750 př. Kr.). Typ LMHK (mixed
alkali) se považuje za kontinentální evropský (severoitalský) vynález; byl zjištěn ve skelné fázi fajánsových korálků a knoflíků starší a střední doby bronzové a zejména ve skleněných korálech mladší,
a případně pozdní doby bronzové (ca 1200–900 př. Kr.). Typ LMG s alkáliemi minerálního původu,
resp. natronové sklo, byl vyráběn ve Středomoří od doby halštatské, resp. od 8. stol. př. Kr. přes dobu
laténskou nejméně až do doby římské a stěhování národů.
Analyzované vzorky skla z Čech
K analýze bylo předloženo 19 korálků, z nichž bylo analyzováno modrozelené sklo matrice a ve
čtyřech případech polychromních korálků také jejich bílá výzdoba, takže celkový počet vzorků činil
584 VENCLOVÁ – HULÍNSK¯ – HENDERSON – CHENERY – ·ULOVÁ – HLOÎEK: Late Bronze Age …
23. Čísla vzorků odpovídají číslování v databázi chemických analýz pravěkých až novověkých skel
VITREA (http://www.arup.cas.cz/cz/VITREA/index.htm; srov. Venclová et al. 2010). Soupis vzorků
je uveden v anglickém textu. Obr. 2 a 3.
NV
Chemická analýza SEM-EDS
Skla byla analyzována touto metodou v Ústavu skla a keramiky VŠCHT v Praze (k metodě srov.
Hulínský – Černá 2001).
Homogenita analyzovaných skel. Analyzovaná skla obsahují neprotavená zrna tridymitu, drobné
dendritické krystalky a inkluze obsahující Ti a Cu. Tento materiál lze charakterizovat jako přechodnou fázi mezi skelnou fajánsí a sklem (obr. 4–5).
Výsledky analýz. Výsledky předvádí tab. 1 a obr. 6–7.
Sklo matrice. S výjimkou jednoho vzorku (738) byla všechna skla identifikována jako typ mixed
alkali. Mají průměrný obsah Na2O = 7,24 %hm., K2O = 8,24 %hm. a CaO = 1,66 %hm., součet
alkálií K2O+Na2O = 15,48 %hm., poměr K2O/Na2O = 1,66 a průměrný obsah MgO = 0,58 %hm.
(s výjimkou vzorku 746). Tato skla nepochybně patří k chemickému typu skla LMHK, který byl
rozpoznán jako produkt sklářské dílny ve Frattesině v severní Itálii. Toto sklo charakterizuje poměr
K2O/Na2O = 1–2 a obsah MgO nižší než 1 %hm. (Henderson 1988a; Angelini et al. 2004; Angelini –
Polla – Molin 2010). Ve zmíněném výjimečném případě korálku z Řepína, vz. 738, výrazně převažuje K2O a objevuje se vysoký obsah CuO, Fe2O3, CaO a velmi nízký obsah SiO2; to může odrážet
jiný zdroj alkálií nebo jiný způsob loužení rostlinného popela. Další vzorek 746 z Tuchoměřic se
odlišuje vyšším obsahem MgO. Vzorky 740, 742, 743 a 746 vykazují vyšší obsah SnO2.
Barvící prvky ve skle matrice. Zbarvení je ve všech případech výsledkem obsahu CuO; zjištěny
byly i kobalt a železo.
Bílé výzdobné sklo. Tři vzorky (737, 739, 747) mají vyšší obsah CaO (5,94 to 12,56 %), což
neodporuje výsledkům z jiných lokalit (Henderson 1993a). Opacitu bílého skla způsobují zřejmě
krystalické křemičité inkluze a nukleace Ca silikátů (Angelini – Polla – Artioli 2007, 146; Artioli –
Angelini – Polla 2008, 249–250; Angelini – Polla – Molin 2010, 128). Vzorek 745 se svým vysokým
obsahem SiO2 zdá být atypický.
VH
Analýza stopových prvků LAICPMS
Modrozelené sklo tří korálků z Holubic (vzorky 620, 621, 622) bylo analyzováno metodou laserové ablace v British Geological Survey v Keyworth ve Velké Británii (tab. 2). Stopové prvky mohou
indikovat typ použitých surovin. Obsah neodymia ukazuje, že křemík byl získán z jiného zdroje než
egyptská a mesopotámská skla. Nízký obsah thoria a urania svědčí o jiném než granitickém zdroji
písku. Obsah zirkonia ukazuje na poměrně čistý písek a jeho obsah ve zkoumaných sklech je nižší
než např. v levantském písku. Malý obsah barya nevylučuje využití minerálního zdroje se smíšeným
obsahem potaše a sody. Obsah mědi a cínu snad souvisí s barvením skla s užitím bronzoviny.
JH, SC
Diskuse výsledků analýz
Studovaná skla z Čech patří, s jednou výjimkou, k chemickému typu mixed alkali, resp. LMHK
mladší doby bronzové, jaký popsala řada autorů (zejm. Henderson 1988a; 1993a; Brill 1992; Santopadre – Verità 2000; Towle et al. 2001; Angelini et al. 2004; Lorenz 2006; Angelini – Polla – Molin
2010). Složení i textura těchto skel souhlasí se sklem vyráběným v lokalitě Frattesina, popř. v dalších
severoitalských dílnách. Zdroj alkálií je stále předmětem diskuse; většinou se uvažuje o louženém
rostlinném popelu. Podle našeho názoru může být vysvětlením mixu alkálií a obsahu hořčíku použití
louženého popela ze směsi místních kontinentálních a zároveň i přímořských rostlin, nebo z popela
místních rostlin pocházejících z oblastí se specifickými fluviálními podmínkami, jaké charakterizovaly právě lokalitu Frattesina na konci doby bronzové (Arenoso Callipo – Bellintani 1994). Vyloučen
ovšem není ani minerální zdroj.
VH, JH
Archeologické rozhledy LXIII–2011
585
Archeologická pozorování
Výsledky chemických analýz odpovídají typologickým vlastnostem zkoumaných korálků, z nichž
většina se shoduje barvou, průsvitností a kvalitou skla. Složením výjimečné vzorky 738, příp. 746
náleží polychromním korálkům a nabízí se představa, že by surové sklo pro takové korálky mohlo být
vyrobeno v jiných dílnách, nebo pocházet z jiných taveb než sklo pro monochromní korálky. Polychromní korálky se také nejvíc navzájem vizuálně odlišují. Počet vzorků byl nicméně příliš malý
k vyvození významných závěrů. Víceméně jednotné chemické složení korálků z kontextu knovízské
kultury naznačuje, že mohlo jít o jednorázovou dodávku z jedné či více dílen, distribuovanou zde
v průběhu krátké doby. Na tomto místě je třeba připomenout, že v Čechách bylo v mladší době bronzové zjištěno také sklo jiných chemických vlastností. Korálky lužické kultury z Mladé Boleslavi –
Čejetiček (B C2-D) a Jeřic (Ha A), slezskoplatěnické kultury z Dražkovic (Ha B1), a také korálek
lužické kultury z Gorszewic ve Velkopolsku (Ha C či starší) nepatří ke sklu typu LMHK, ale HMG
(Frána – Maštalka – Venclová 1987, tab. 3, vzorky 17 a 47; Frána – Maštalka 1990, tab. 7; archeologický kontext viz Venclová 1990, 218–219; Malinowski 1990, 23–25; viz též Henderson 1988b,
fig. 3).
Typologické a chemické vlastnosti skleněných korálků knovízské kultury jsou jednoznačným
dokladem jejich původu v severní Itálii, a tedy interregionálních kontaktů mezi územím severně
a jižně Alp. Korálky mohly být jedním z recipročních artiklů v obchodu s alpskou mědí, která byla
chemickými analýzami indikována v bronzech z depotů na území střední Evropy včetně Čech (Jiráň
ed. et al. 2008, 242). Rozdílné složení skel knovízské kultury na jedné straně a východočeských lužických a slezskoplatěnických popelnicových polí na druhé straně může odrážet různě orientovaný
obchod (přinejmenším se sklem) v mladší době bronzové. Typ skla LMHK v knovízském kontextu
ukazuje na víceméně přímý směr importu ze severní Itálie přes Alpy na území západních popelnicových polí včetně západních a středních Čech, zatímco typ skla HMG ze současných kontextů ve
východních Čechách a ve Velkopolsku naznačují východnější cestu používanou pro produkty z východního Středomoří. Spojení mezi východními Čechami a Moravou v mladší době bronzové dokládají mj. bronzové depoty (Jiráň 2010, 53), a další kontakty jsou zřetelné napříč Karpatskou kotlinou
a dále k JV. Platí to zejména pro moravská lužická popelnicová pole v Ha A a Ha B na rozdíl od
středodunajských popelnicových polí (Salaš 2005, 146–154). Malý počet chemicky analyzovaných
skel z východočeských a moravských popelnicových polí mladší doby bronzové však neumožňuje
tyto předpoklady zobecnit.
NV
NATALIE VENCLOVÁ, Archeologický ústav AV ČR, Praha, v.v.i., Letenská 4, CZ-11801 Praha 1
venclova@arup.cas.cz
SIMON CHENERY, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, UK; s.chenery@btinternet.com
JULIAN HENDERSON, Department of Archaeology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham
NG7 2RD, UK; Julian.Henderson@nottingham.ac.uk
JOSEF HLOŽEK, Katedra archeologie, Západočeská univerzita v Plzni, Sedláčkova 15, CZ-30614 Plzeň
hlozek@kar.zcu.cz
VÁCLAV HULÍNSKÝ, Ústav skla a keramiky, Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická, Technická 5, CZ-16628
Praha 6; vaclav.hulinsky@vscht.cz
LUCIA ŠULOVÁ, Ústav archeologické památkové péče středních Čech, Nad Olšinami 3/448, CZ-10000
Praha 10; lucia.sulova@uappsc.cz