Composition and origins of decorated glass from Umayyad Cordoba (Spain)

Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the western suburbs of Cordoba (Spain) brought to light numerous fragments of archaeological glass from the caliphal period (929–1031 CE). The typological and compositional analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-IC...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Heritage science Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 31
Main Authors:	De Juan Ares, Jorge, Cáceres Gutiérrez, Yasmina, Moreno Almenara, Maudilio, Schibille, Nadine
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Cham Springer International Publishing 12-03-2021 Springer Nature B.V Springer SpringerOpen
Subjects:	Al-Andalus Archaeology Archaeology and Prehistory Art and art history Blowing Chemical composition Chemical Sciences Chemistry and Materials Science Cultural heritage and museology Decoration Fragments Gilding History History, Philosophy and Sociology of Sciences Humanities and Social Sciences Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry Islamic glass LA-ICP-MS Laser ablation Lead glass Mass spectrometry Material chemistry Materials Science Molds Mould-blowing Raw materials Research Article Soda-ash glass Soda-ash lead glass Suburban areas Trace elements Spain Relief-cutting LA-ICP-MS Soda-ash lead glass Al-Andalus Soda-ash glass Mould-blowing Islamic glass
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Summary:	Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the western suburbs of Cordoba (Spain) brought to light numerous fragments of archaeological glass from the caliphal period (929–1031 CE). The typological and compositional analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of 66 fragments enabled the identification of different types of base glass and glass working techniques, identifying local productions, imports and decorative imitations of eastern models. The studied fragments include Mesopotamian, Levantine, Egyptian and possibly Sicilian soda-rich plant ash glass categories, and various glass-decorating techniques such as mould-blowing, pressing, cutting, staining or gilding. The systematic comparison of the trace element patterns of several relief-cut objects identified both imported ware and a locally manufactured sample, whereas all mould-blown pieces were made from locally sourced raw materials. Iberian glassworkers seem to have preferred mould-blowing, probably because of the distinct working properties of locally available high lead glass. The results thus confirm the continuous long-distance exchange of vitreous material, as well as the existence of multiple glassmaking centres in the Iberian Peninsula, illustrating a link between secondary glass working techniques and chemical composition. Furthermore, the identification of several fragments belonging to the same object based on chemical composition allowed us to reconstruct entire vessels and thereby expand the repertoire of known typologies circulating in Umayyad Spain.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	2050-7445 2050-7445
DOI:	10.1186/s40494-021-00505-4