Recent archaeological research has revealed new insights into the mass production of lead glass jewelry in medieval Poland. The study confirms that the materials used to create beads and rings were sourced from local deposits, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of these items.
The research, led by Dr. hab. Aleksandra Pankiewicz from the University of Wrocław, was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. It involved a collaboration between multiple institutions, including the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jagiellonian University, the National Centre for Nuclear Research, the University of Warsaw, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, and Juniata College in the United States.
The team conducted isotopic analyses on lead glass jewelry found at a hillfort in Wrocław and a grave field in Sypniewo, located in Poland’s Masovian Voivodeship. The findings confirm that the lead glass ornaments were produced in Poland, with raw materials sourced from deposits along the border of Silesia and Małopolska. However, the study found no direct evidence that glass was made from raw materials at these sites. Dr. Sylwia Siemianowska, a key researcher from the Polish Academy of Sciences, suggested that jewelry makers likely used semi-finished products, such as glass rods or disks, which might have been imported from other regions.
Despite the rich lead deposits found near the Olkusz area, no glass production workshops have been uncovered, raising further questions about the trade networks and production methods used by medieval artisans.
Historical Background and Glass Production Techniques
Lead glass, made from silica and lead oxide, was commonly used in the Middle Ages for creating small ornaments, beads, and glazes. The technique is believed to have been introduced to Europe via the Silk Road from Southeast Asia, becoming widespread between the 10th and 14th centuries. The oldest known lead glass beads date back to ancient Egypt, around 1450-1425 BC, and recipes for lead-containing glass can be found in Mesopotamian texts from the 7th century BC.
In Poland, lead deposits along the border of Lesser Poland and Silesia have been mined since the Iron Age, with evidence suggesting their use as early as the 6th century BC. The peak of this exploitation occurred in the 11th century, likely contributing to the development of a thriving glassmaking industry that met local demand and facilitated trade with neighboring regions.
Cultural Insights into Jewelry
The study also offers new perspectives on the cultural significance of lead glass jewelry. While beads and rings are typically associated with women, the research challenges this assumption. Some larger rings, particularly those in yellow and black, were likely intended for men. This suggests a more nuanced understanding of gender roles in medieval society. Additionally, beads have been found in male graves, raising questions about their role. Dr. Pankiewicz speculates that these items may have served as mementos of deceased wives or were worn by men themselves, revealing the complex nature of adornment practices in medieval times.
This research not only illuminates the craftsmanship behind medieval Polish jewelry but also provides a deeper understanding of the cultural meanings attached to adornment. The use of lead glass reflects broader trends in material culture, where access to local resources shaped artistic practices and social identities.
Related topics:
- Qeelin: Merging Heritage with Modern Growth in Fine Jewelry
- TJS to Address Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage at Upcoming Event
- Punchmark to Host Annual Client Workshop in Charlotte
