Early bronze age faience from north Italy and Slovakia : a comparative archaeometric study

Early Bronze Age faience beads from Italy (Lavagnone) and Slovakia (Mytna Nova Ves and Nizna Mysl'a) were analysed by SEM-EDS, computerised 2-D image analysis, EMPA, and XRPD. The glass phase in the faience is present in different amount and invariably shows a mixed alkali composition, with the exception of two Carpathian samples showing an unusually Cu-rich glassy matrix. The chemial and mineralogical results seem to indicate a local production based on very similar glass-making technology, and the use of different starting materials.