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

Author： Stapleton C.P. Freestone I.C. Bowman S.G.E.

ISSN： 0305-4403

Source： Journal of Archaeological Science, Vol.26, Iss.8, 1999-08, pp. : 913-921

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Abstract

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.