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10 - Shattering Illusions

Using Analytical Evidence to Establish Clearer Pictures of Glass Production and Trade within Africa

from Part IV - Glass Technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2020

By
Chloë N. Duckworth
Edited by
C. N. Duckworth ,
A. Cuénod  and
D. J. Mattingly
C. N. Duckworth
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
A. Cuénod
Affiliation:
University of Leicester
D. J. Mattingly
Affiliation:
University of Leicester
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Summary

This chapter reports analysis of glass from the Garamantian heartlands in the central (Libyan) Sahara, including several fragments of imported Roman vessel glass. Results are contextualised within those of other published studies to develop a broader picture against which new analyses can be interpreted. The chapter aims to demonstrate the crucial importance of moving beyond a simple association between composition and provenance. Less archaeologically ‘visible’ practices such as recycling, which may take place periodically, in small installations, often leave subtle traces in the glass chemistry. The potential of data from trace element analyses in investigating these effects is explored. In addition, the possibilities of local African glass production, recycling and reworking are discussed.

Keywords

chemical compositionglassLibyaMediterraneanGaramantesFazzanbeadsmirrorsjewellerybanglesRoman glass
Type
Chapter
Information
Mobile Technologies in the Ancient Sahara and Beyond , pp. 317 - 384
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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