The chemical composition and manufacturing technology of glass beads excavated from the Hetian Bizili site, Xinjiang

Abstract

The Hetian Bizili site in Lop County, located on the southern route of the Silk Road in Xinjiang, China, was a trade and cultural hub between the East and the West in ancient times. In 2016, a large number of glass beads were unearthed from the 40 tombs excavated on this site. In this study we determined the chemical compositions and manufacturing technology of bodies and decorations of twelve glass beads from the M5 tomb of Bizili by using LA-ICP-AES, EDXRF, Raman Spectrometry, and SR-μCT. The chemical compositions of the beads were all Na2O–CaO–SiO2, with plant ash mainly used as a flux. Lead antimonate and lead stannate were used as the opacifying agents. We detected elevated levels of boron and high levels of phosphorus in some beads: this is discussed in the context of the type of flux used and the possible use of a P-rich opacifier. Some of the beads with high contents of aluminum may potentially come from Pakistan. In terms of manufacturing technology, the craftsmen made ‘eye’ beads in different ways and also trail decorated beads.

Scientific analysis of two compound eye beads unearthed in Hejia Village, Zhouling

“…In recent years, the scientific and technological research of glass eye beads mainly focuses on the discussion of the formation reason of the glass matrix [13,14] and the analysis and identification of weathering products [14][15][16][17]. The color formation mechanism is mostly based on the results of elemental analysis of the sample using XRF or LA-ICP-AES technology.…”

A possible production area of Chinese faience? Reference to beads decorating coffins from Shijia Yucun site, Gansu Province

“…The location of Shijia Yucun site and the distribution map of high‐potash faience unearthed from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn period (1, Shangsunjiazhai cemetery; 2, Dabuzishan site; 3, Yujiawan cemetery; 4, Zhuyuangou cemetery; 5, Sanmenxia Guo State cemetery; 6, Liangdaicun cemetery; 7, Quwo Jin Hou tomb; 8, Dahekou cemetery; 9, Hengshui Peng state cemetery; 10, Wanfunao site; 11, Shijia Yucun site; 12, Wupu cemetery; 13, Wangdahu site) (Chen et al, 2021; Lei & Xia, 2015; Lin et al, 2019; Ningxia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Pengyang County Institute of Cultural Relics Management, 2016; Wang, 2019; Wang et al, 2020; Wen et al, 2023). …”