Experimental Approaches to Amber Bead Production in Early Medieval (Fifth- And Sixth-Century AD) England

Abstract

Tens of thousands of amber beads have been recovered from furnished early medieval female burials of the later fifth to early seventh centuries AD in southern and eastern Britain (Brugmann, 2004, fig. 64; Huggett, 1988, pp.64-66). Amber reached its peak in the middle of the sixth century, overtaking even glass beads in popularity (Huggett, 1988, p.64; Brugmann, 2004, p.47; Hirst, 1985, p.75). Despite the wealth of evidence for the finished objects, no archaeological traces of amber-working in southern Britain during the same period have yet been identified, from either excavated settlements or cemeteries.

Keywords

• amber
• early middle ages
• united kingdom
• bead