Post-15th century European glass beads in southern Africa: Composition and classification using pXRF and Raman spectroscopy
Abstract
A hundred and twenty-seven glass beads found at archaeological sites in southern Africa were analysed using pXRF and Raman spectroscopy. The beads are identified as European production on the base of their particular composition and morphology in order to classify beads traded to the region after the 15th century AD. Six major groups of glass, namely, soda base plant ashes (61%), potash rich wood ash (14%), synthetic soda (8%), mixed alkali (4%), lead soda (22%) and natron (4%) were identified. Except for soda base plant ashes and natron (outliers), all the groups date back to the 19th century. Calcium antimonate in the majority of soda based plant ash glasses (87%) indicated some of the beads were imported from Europe since the 17th century.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)