Glass bracelet
Preserved length: 24mm
Probable diameter: 70mm
The fragment of a glass bracelet on display is made of semi-transparent, dark blue glass called cobalt glass. The surface of the bracelet is decorated with incisions forming a pattern in the form of two rows of small convex nodules. Glass items of this type were fashioned manually, probably using a so-called spit. A lump of viscous glass was attached to a metal rod, pierced through, and then heated. Next the spit was spun to make the glass take on a shape of a ring. Finally, the ornamental incisions were made.
The bracelet was discovered in the course of excavations conducted in nineteen seventy in the village of Cło, near Krakow. Jewellery of this type are the oldest ornaments of Celtic women inhabiting this area since the end of the third century before Christ. Similar ornaments are frequently found in Thuringia, Bavaria, Czech, and Moravia. It was probably from this latter region that they were brought to our lands.
It was made of semi-transparent, cobalt glass which is dark blue. The outer side of the bracelet features four convex ribs. The two ribs in the middle are incised. Two rows of small decorative nodules have been formed in this way.
It is supposed that items like this were made in the following manner: a lump of viscous glass was attached to a metal rod and then heated. A spinning movement caused the bracelet to form. Finally, the still soft surface of the glass was incised with a sharp tool to make the pattern.
This fragment of bracelet was discovered in the village of Cło near Kraków in nineteen seventy. It is an example of the oldest type of ornaments used by Celtic women inhabiting the area. The item was probably made in Moravia or Czechia.