Early Medieval Stained-Glass Window from Stavelot (Belgium)

This paper concerns the early medieval window glass from the monastery of Stavelot. The number of fragments, the surface and the quality of conservation are quite exceptional,and Stavelot is as a very important site for the study of ancient glass, particularly glass from the early Middle Ages, about which little is still known. Beside their interest for the history of the site and its comprehension, these glass artifacts give us the possibility of tackling the history of the stained-glass window and glass fabrication techniques. The archaeological study allows us to quantify and characterize the fragments (shapes, colors, shaping techniques). The analyses in PIXE-PIGE provide us with the glass composition. The coexistence of soda and potash glass in the same archaeological contexts, points out compositional groups revealing various recipes. This also allows us to learn about the coloration process. Finally, the question of glass production on the site is debated.

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