Composition and Origin of Early Mediaeval Opaque Red Enamel from Britain and Ireland

Opaque red enamel was examined semi-quantitatively using X-ray fluorescence on 41 objects dating to the Early Mediaeval period, and 11 of these were analysed quantitatively using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in the scanning electron microscope. The enamels are copper-lead-silica glasses, and dif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of archaeological science 1999-08, Vol.26 (8), p.913-921
Main Authors: Stapleton, C.P., Freestone, I.C., Bowman, S.G.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Excavation and methods
Laboratory methods
Methodology and general studies
OPAQUE RED ENAMEL, CELTIC, ANGLO-SAXON, EARLY MEDIAEVAL, BRITAIN, IRELAND, LEAD ISOTOPE ANALYSIS, RAFFINATION, CUPELLATION, SLAG, TARA HILL INGOT, KILMESSAN, CAROLINGIAN
Physical and chemical analysis
Prehistory and protohistory
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Summary:Opaque red enamel was examined semi-quantitatively using X-ray fluorescence on 41 objects dating to the Early Mediaeval period, and 11 of these were analysed quantitatively using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in the scanning electron microscope. The enamels are copper-lead-silica glasses, and differ from the opaque reds of the pre-Roman and Roman periods in their low alkali contents. The red glass ingot purported to be from near Kilmessan and the Hill of Tara, Ireland, and previously thought to be a potential source for much Early Mediaeval Celtic enamelwork, is of the earlier type and is thus not related to Mediaeval enamelling. The compositional difference is paralleled in a small number of lead isotope analyses. It is demonstrated that the enamels most probably represent re-use of metallurgical raffination slags.
ISSN:0305-4403
1095-9238
DOI:10.1006/jasc.1999.0399