New evidence for the transcontinental spread of early faience. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yingzhu; Rehren, Thilo; Tan, Yuchen; Cong, Dexin; Jia, Peter Weiming; Henderson, Julian; Ma, Hongjiao; Betts, Alison; Chen, Kunlong
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 116(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Faience -- Xinjiang in China -- Adunqiaolu -- Technology -- Cultural exchange; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2020.105093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents compositional results for six faience beads from Adunqiaolu, an Early Bronze Age site in western Xinjiang, China. It is shown that all analysed samples were made of mixed-alkali flux with sodium oxide 8–10% and potassium oxide 5–9%. The microstructure of samples indicates that cementation glazing was used. The analytical results, together with the typology of the faience beads were then compared with data of Bronze Age faience beads found in Europe and East Asia. There are clear similarities in both typological and technological features. As the earliest faience objects discovered in China so far, the Adunqiaolu beads set an essential starting point for the further discussion on the early exchange network evidenced by faience products and long distance transmission of technologies and knowledge. This observation is of significance for deepening our understanding of prehistoric exchange between West and East across the Eurasian continent by providing another element in addition to metallurgy, cereal crops and herding animals. Highlights: Earliest faience beads in China analysed by SEM and EPMA. Mixed-alkali glaze composition and typology indicate origin from the West. Import of faience objects as part of wider package of cultural contact West-East. Precursor for faience production in China using local materials and recipes.