Characterization and archeometric study of a glass set of the iron age of the necrópolis de palomar de pintado (Toledo, Spain)

Abstract

An outstanding ensemble of glasses was recently found in the Iron Age necropolis of Palomar de Pintado (Toledo, Spain). The glasses are associated to three of the five chronological phases and are mainly dated between the fifth and the third centuries BC. The results derived from an archaeometric study whose goals were to determine their chemical composition, their technology of production and their possible geographic provenance are presented. Conventional techniques were used such as optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) microanalysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results indicated that most were natron based LMG (low magnesium) silicate glasses, probably from the Eastern Mediterranean. One sample was found to be an opaque red glass with a high PbO content and the presence of cuprite crystallizations (copper aventurine glass). The finding of a non-local origin set of glasses in a funerary context suggests that glass was a prestige good for Iron Age communities of the Iberian Peninsula.