Analysis of two glass eye (Jatim) beads unearthed from the Northern Wei tomb complex in Dongxin, Datong

• Published in: Heritage science 2024-06, Vol.12 (1), p.204-13, Article 204
• Main Authors: Jia, Yanqin, Cui, Jianfeng, Cao, Chenming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeology; Centuries; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cobalt; Composition analysis; Cultural heritage; Depth of field; Glass eye bead; Jatim bead; Kingdom of Java; Location of manufacture; Materials Science; Morphology; Nondestructive testing; Northern Wei Period; Scanning electron microscopy; Scientific imaging; Tin dioxide
• ISSN: 2050-7445; 2050-7445
• DOI: 10.1186/s40494-024-01319-w

This study analyzed two glass eye beads discovered in an ancient tomb complex at Dongxin Furniture Square in Datong, Shanxi Province in China. The tomb complex was dated to the Northern Wei Dynasty (398–494 AD), when Datong was known as Pingcheng. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) as well as a 3D microscope system with ultra-depth of field to conduct non-destructive tests on the beads. We examined the beads’ manufacturing techniques, including matrices, eye patterns, and bead holes. The composition analysis revealed that both beads belonged to the mix of v-Na-Ca and m-Na-Al glass system, which is a key indicator of local production in Java. The bases were colored using Co 2+ , whereas the white, red, and yellow colors of the eye patterns were achieved using SnO 2 , Cu 2 O, or Cu 0 , and PbSnO 3 , respectively. These findings indicated that both objects were Jatim beads originating in the Kingdom of Java in Southeast Asia. This study provides valuable insights into ancient trade routes between different regions and offers reliable scientific evidence of the glass trade and technical exchanges in ancient times.