Composition and production of late antique glass bowls type Helle

Abstract

Helle bowls are a particular type of late antique glass vessels found exclusively in continental northern Europe, both within and outside the Roman Empire. We analysed about one quarter of all known finds of this type using LA-ICP-MS, and several also using EPMA. The majority of the analysed bowls are made of HIMT glass, with a few consisting of Roman blue/green glass. Several bowls were found to be likely production pairs, defined as those produced from a single batch; most of these were found archaeologically together. We discuss recycling indicators such as elevated base metal oxides and increased potash and phosphate concentrations, arguing that all Roman blue/green glass in our assemblage is recycled, while about half of the HIMT glass appears to be freshly imported primary glass. The combination of archaeometric and archaeological evidence indicates that the glass workshop from Goch-Asperden (NW Germany) may have been one of the production sites for the bowls of this type; however, a wider production elsewhere cannot be ruled out.

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