Elemental analysis of glass ornaments from Liziwei
Uncovering local exchange networks in southwestern Taiwan
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7662634 |
|---|---|
| Authors | K W Wang (0000-0003-4115-1174), Wei-Chun Chen (0000-0002-6515-0996), Wei‐Chun Chen (0000-0002-7354-571X), L Dussubieux (0000-0002-9334-8131), Yoshiyuki Iizuka (0000-0002-7327-7583) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1866-9557 • E-ISSN: 1866-9565 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12520-025-02236-0 |
| OpenAlex | W4410093991 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of glass ornaments excavated from the Liziwei site in southwestern Taiwan (the 1 st to the 8 th century CE) to explore the dynamics of local and trans-regional exchange network during the Metal Age. Using Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), we identified three principal chemical groups: mineral soda high alumina glass, soda plant ash glass and potash glass. The chemical compositions of these glass groups demonstrate Liziwei's integration into a broad maritime exchange network that connected Taiwan with Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. However, our findings also reveal the existence of a localised exchange network within southwestern Taiwan, characterised by distinct regional preferences in glass ornament styles and chemical compositions. Comparison with Daoye, Daoye South and Wujiancuo reveals continuity in glass chemical groups and cultural practices, suggesting sustained regional interactions distinct from those in other parts of Taiwan. The findings indicate that glass exchange likely intensified during the Middle Metal Age, coinciding with increased settlement activity and higher concentrations of glass beads in burials. These results highlight the interplay between long-distance exchange and localised circulation, providing new insights into the evolution of exchange activities in prehistoric Taiwan
Archaeology · Elemental analysis · Geography · Ornaments · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Building materials and conservation · Chemistry · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
The Elemental Analysis of Glass Beads
A Compilation of New and Published Major and Trace Element Data for Nist SRM 610 and Nist SRM 612 Glass Reference Materials
Changes in the Signature of Cobalt Colorants in Late Antique and Early Islamic Glass Production
Ancient jades map 3,000 years of prehistoric exchange in Southeast Asia
Glass production in Late Antiquity and the Early Islamic period
Glass beads from Guishan in Iron Age Taiwan
The Production and Exchange of Glass and Stone Beads in Southeast Asia from 500 BCE to the early second millennium CE
Mineral soda alumina glass
Trace element discriminants between Egyptian and Mesopotamian Late Bronze Age glasses
Obsidian Characterization by Laser Ablation ICP-MS and its Application to Prehistoric Trade in the Mediterranean and the Near East
The Trading of Ancient Glass Beads
Tracking ancient glass production in India
The anomaly of glass beads and glass beadmaking waste at Jiuxianglan, Taiwan
The glass beads of Kampai Island, Sumatra
Taiwan's Early Metal Age and Southeast Asian trading systems
| Highly cited | No |
|---|