THE COMPOSITION AND MANUFACTURE OF EARLY MEDIEVAL COLOURED WINDOW GLASS FROM SION (VALAIS, SWITZERLAND)—A ROMAN GLASS‐MAKING TRADITION OR INNOVATIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP?*
Sophie Wolf|Christel Kessler|W. B. Stern|Yvonne Gerber
Archaeological excavations between 1984 and 2001 at the early Christian cemetery church in Sion, Sous‐le‐Scex (Rhône Valley, Switzerland), brought to light more than 400 pieces of coloured window glass dating from fifth or sixth centuries ad . The aims this paper are threefold: first, characterize shape, colour chemical composition glass; secondly, understand whether production panes followed traditional Roman glazing techniques was a innovative nature; and, thirdly, provide some indications as overall design these ornamental windows. Forty samples have been analysed by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. results technological studies showed that most produced using recycled glass, particularly colouring agent. Some made essentially unmodified Levantine I type. taken together seem confirm raw region widely traded used fourth seventh artisans Sion were apparently still making use highly developed production. spectrum, manufacture windows, however, suggest they represent examples
Archaeometry